A general name for several violet coloured cobalt pigments. First developed in the early 19th century, cobalt violet was the primary permanent violet pigment available. Cobalt violets range from deep to pale shades with either a pink or blue hue. The first cobalt violets used were composed of cobalt arsenate. This highly toxic compound is now rarely used. Instead most current cobalt violets are non-toxic and are made from either cobalt phosphate, or cobalt ammonium phosphate. Cobalt violets are used in paints. Synonyms: cobalt arsenate; cobalt phosphate; cobalt ammonium phosphate. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2000). [J. Cassar, R. de Angelis]