Manganese violet
Manganese violet suppliers and sourcing guide
Manganese violet is an inorganic violet pigment, a manganese ammonium pyrophosphate complex with the approximate formula MnNH4P2O7. It is made by reacting manganese dioxide with phosphoric acid and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate at high temperature, then washing and milling. It has a soft, muted purple shade and is bought by cosmetic makers for eye shadow, blush, lipstick, nail products and pressed powders.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Pigment Violet 16 · CI 77742 · Manganese ammonium pyrophosphate
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of manganese violet
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Cosmetic grade powder
Fine powder sold to the 21 CFR 73.2775 specification for color cosmetics.
Surface-treated grades
Pigment coated with silicones, amino acids or other treatments for easier dispersion in oils and powders.
Dispersions
Pre-dispersed in oils or esters for lip products and liquid makeup.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Total color (Mn content)
- Total color calculated from manganese content of the as-is sample, required to be not less than 93 percent.
- Ash and volatile matter
- Ash at 600 °C and volatile matter at 135 °C, both limited by the regulation.
- pH and water-soluble matter
- pH of a water extract (2.5 to 4.7 in the regulation) and water-soluble substances, which matter for stability in emulsions.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS or AAS, reported against the limits in the color additive regulation and the supplier specification.
- Shade and particle size
- Shade against a retained standard and particle size by laser diffraction.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Keep manganese violet in closed containers in a dry place at room temperature; the powder is stable but picks up moisture and odors and can cake. Control dust in the weigh room and keep it away from other products to avoid cross-contamination. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification. The pigment is slightly acidic and can lose color in strongly alkaline products, so check compatibility.
Lots and expiry dates
Shade and water-soluble content can vary between lots, so record shade and pH results for each lot and check against a retained standard. Rotate stock first-in, first-out.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.2775 describes manganese violet as a manganese ammonium pyrophosphate complex made from phosphoric acid, ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate and manganese dioxide.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.2775 permits manganese violet for coloring cosmetics generally, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.2775 requires total color, based on Mn content, of not less than 93 percent.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manganese violet suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking manganese violet suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell manganese violet? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of manganese violet can brands buy?
Common forms include cosmetic grade powder, surface-treated grades and dispersions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for manganese violet include?
Expect total color (Mn content), ash and volatile matter, pH and water-soluble matter, heavy metals and shade and particle size, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should manganese violet be stored?
Keep manganese violet in closed containers in a dry place at room temperature; the powder is stable but picks up moisture and odors and can cake. Control dust in the weigh room and keep it away from other products to avoid cross-contamination. Shelf life or retest interval is set by the supplier specification. The pigment is slightly acidic and can lose color in strongly alkaline products, so check compatibility.
What is the regulatory status of manganese violet?
21 CFR 73.2775 describes manganese violet as a manganese ammonium pyrophosphate complex made from phosphoric acid, ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate and manganese dioxide. 21 CFR 73.2775 permits manganese violet for coloring cosmetics generally, including eye-area cosmetics, exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.2775 requires total color, based on Mn content, of not less than 93 percent.
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