What is Lead Monoxide? Is Lead Oxide toxic? What's the difference between Lead Monoxide and Lead Tetroxide? How to mix it with effect glazes

PbO 

Lead(II) oxide, also called lead monoxide, is the inorganic compound with the molecular formula PbO. PbO occurs in two polymorphs: litharge having a tetragonal crystal structure, and massicot having an orthorhombic crystal structure. Modern applications for PbO are mostly in lead-based industrial glass and industrial ceramics, including computer components. It is an amphoteric oxide.

Lead Oxide - Uses in Pottery

-Together with ZnO, PbO is considered one of the Metallic oxide fluxes.

-Reacts easily with silica to form low melting lead silicates of high gloss and deep character. Lead is very easy to use. It is the heaviest oxide and produces incredible colors and surface characteristics. Lead also has 'blemish healing' and flow characteristics that are unmatched. Lead glazes tend to have high resistance to chipping. In addition, lead is a 'forgiving material' that tends to hide imperfections on the finished fired surface. Lead glazes have been demanded for fine China for many years, although substitutes have been developed.

-Lead promotes low expansion, a long firing range, and it decreases viscosity and tendency to devitrify.
-Lead is often used in combination with boric oxide which improves crazing problems and resistance to chemical attack.

Formula: PbO
Molecular Weight: 223.20 g/mol
Form: heavy yellow powder
CAS Number: 1317-36-8
Density: 9.53 g/cm³
Synonyms: Lead(II) oxide, Other names, Lead monoxide, Litharge, Massicot, Murda sang, Plumbous oxide, Galena