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Litmus Indicator Pure | pH Acid Base Indicator Powder | Ausamics
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Documentation
Litmus Indicator, Pure
AuSaMicS Life Science™ | www.ausamics.com.au
Product Description
Cat. No. ASD-632
For Laboratory Use Only
CAS Number
1393-92-6
Grade
Laboratory Reagent / Indicator
Colour Index
CI 1242
Alternative Names
Lichen Blue, Lacmus
Description
Litmus Indicator, Pure (ASD-632) is a premium-quality, water-soluble mixture of natural dyes extracted from lichens. It serves as the classical acid-base indicator for educational, laboratory, and industrial applications. This specific batch has been rigorously verified for high sensitivity, providing a reliable and reproducible colour transition across a defined pH range.
As one of the oldest known natural indicators, litmus undergoes a well-characterised reversible colour change driven by protonation of its chromophoric constituents — principally 7-hydroxyphenoxazone derivatives. The transition from red (acidic) to blue (alkaline) makes it ideal for qualitative pH assessment across a wide range of matrices.
pH Transition Range
◀ Red — Acidic
Neutral (Purple)
Blue — Alkaline ▶
01234567891011121314
Highlighted transition zone: pH 5 (Red) → pH 8 (Blue)
Key Features & Benefits
🎯
Verified Transition RangeRigorously tested to ensure compliant colour shift from pH 5 (Red) to pH 8 (Blue)
🌿
Natural OriginSourced from high-quality lichens for a stable and distinct colour response
💧
Low Moisture ContentLoss on drying < 7% — free-flowing powder with excellent shelf stability
🔬
High SolubilityDissolves readily in water to form a clear, effective indicator solution
Applications
🧪
Laboratory & Education
- Acid-base qualitative testing and analysis
- Neutral litmus indicator solution (purple → red in acid, blue in alkali)
- Teaching pH and indicator chemistry concepts
🏭
Manufacturing
- Raw material for red, blue, and neutral litmus pH test strips
- Paper impregnation for diagnostic test kits
🔬
Microbiology
- Litmus Milk Media preparation
- Dual pH and redox indicator for bacterial differentiation
- Lactose fermentation testing
Physical Properties
AppearanceDark blue to dark purple free-flowing powder
OdourOdourless to faintly earthy
SolubilitySoluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
pH of solution~7.0 (neutral; purple colour)
Loss on Drying< 7% (110 °C, 2 h)
Ash Content~22% (inorganic mineral residue)
StorageCool, dry place (< 25 °C); tightly sealed; away from light and moisture
Shelf Life3 years from manufacture date when stored as recommended
⚠ For Laboratory Use OnlyThis product is intended exclusively for in vitro research, educational, and manufacturing use by qualified personnel. Not for food, drug, cosmetic, or clinical diagnostic use.
DisclaimerAuSaMicS Pty Ltd (ABN 56 676 640 467) provides this product for laboratory and research purposes only. No warranty, express or implied, is made regarding fitness for any particular purpose beyond its stated application. The end user assumes full responsibility for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing storage, handling, use, and disposal. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of this product.
Safety Data Sheet
Litmus Indicator, Pure | Cat. ASD-632
SDS — GHS Format
SDS-ASD-632 | Rev. 1.0
Issue Date: March 2026
Section 1 — Identification
Product NameLitmus Indicator, Pure
SynonymsLichen Blue; Lacmus; Litmus; CI 1242
Catalog No.ASD-632
CAS No.1393-92-6
Intended UseLaboratory reagent; pH indicator; manufacturing raw material
SupplierAuSaMicS Pty Ltd, 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia
Emergency Contact+61 412 520 598 | support@ausamics.com.au
Emergency ServicesAustralia: 000 | Poisons Info: 13 11 26
Section 2 — Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS/WHS Regulations (Australia). Dust may cause mild irritation upon prolonged exposure. No signal word required.
Signal WordNone required
Hazard StatementsNot classified as hazardous. Dust may cause mild respiratory and eye irritation upon prolonged exposure.
Precautionary StatementsP261 — Avoid breathing dust. P264 — Wash hands after handling. P271 — Use in well-ventilated area. P280 — Wear protective gloves/eye protection.
SUSMPNot scheduled — not a controlled substance
Appearance NoteDark blue/purple powder. May cause skin and clothing staining — cosmetic only, not a health hazard.
Section 3 — Composition / Ingredients
| Component | CAS Number | Nature | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litmus (natural lichen dye mixture) | 1393-92-6 | Complex natural mixture; principally 7-hydroxyphenoxazone derivatives | Balance |
| Mineral ash (inorganic residue) | — | Inorganic lichen-derived salts | ~22% |
| Moisture | — | Water of hydration | < 7% |
Section 4 — First Aid Measures
Skin ContactWash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove stained clothing. Skin staining is cosmetic and not a health hazard. Seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye ContactImmediately flush with clean water for ≥ 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if irritation or visual disturbance persists.
InhalationMove to fresh air. If coughing or breathing difficulty persists, seek medical attention. Rest and keep warm.
IngestionRinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice. Product has very low toxicity; no specific antidote required.
Note to PhysicianNatural dye mixture — treat symptomatically. No specific antidote. Gastric lavage only if very large quantities ingested.
Section 5 — Fire-Fighting Measures
Flash PointNot applicable (solid; not considered flammable)
Suitable ExtinguishantsWater spray, CO₂, dry powder, foam
Combustion ProductsCarbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides
Protective EquipmentFull PPE and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for enclosed fire scenarios
Section 6 — Accidental Release Measures
Personal PrecautionsWear gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Avoid raising dust. Use P1 dust mask if large quantities are spilled.
Environmental PrecautionsAvoid entry into waterways or drains. Natural dye — may cause temporary aesthetic discolouration of water. Low acute ecotoxicity.
Clean-Up MethodsCarefully sweep or vacuum into sealed waste container. Avoid generating dust. Clean residual staining with water and detergent.
Section 7 — Handling & Storage
HandlingWeigh in a fume cupboard or with local exhaust ventilation when handling large quantities. Minimise dust generation. Wear nitrile gloves, lab coat, and safety glasses. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage ConditionsStore in a tightly closed container at < 25 °C in a cool, dry place. Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep away from food, beverages, and animal feed.
IncompatibilitiesStrong oxidising agents; strong acids and alkalis at high concentration; bleaching agents (cause irreversible decolourisation).
Shelf Life3 years from manufacture date when stored as recommended
Section 8 — Exposure Controls / PPE
| Control Measure | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Occupational Exposure Limit | No established OEL for litmus (Australia). Apply ALARA principle. |
| Respiratory Protection | P1/P2 disposable dust mask if weighing or handling large quantities |
| Hand Protection | Nitrile or latex gloves (note: may cause blue staining of skin; non-toxic) |
| Eye Protection | Safety glasses or splash goggles |
| Body Protection | Laboratory coat (note: staining of fabric is likely) |
| Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation when handling bulk quantities; use in well-ventilated area |
Section 9 — Physical & Chemical Properties
AppearanceDark blue to dark purple free-flowing powder
OdourOdourless to faintly earthy
pH (1% aq. solution)~7.0 (neutral/purple)
Melting PointNot applicable (decomposes on heating)
Solubility (water)Soluble — forms a coloured indicator solution
Vapour PressureNegligible at 20 °C
Partition CoefficientNot applicable (complex natural mixture)
Ash Content~22% (inorganic mineral residue)
Sections 10–11 — Stability, Reactivity & Toxicology
StabilityStable under recommended storage conditions. Sensitive to moisture and prolonged light exposure.
Conditions to AvoidMoisture, direct sunlight, extreme heat, bleaching agents, strong oxidisers
Hazardous DecompositionCO, CO₂, NOₓ, SOₓ upon combustion or pyrolysis
Acute Toxicity (oral)Low toxicity. LD₅₀ data not available; oral exposure at typical laboratory quantities considered non-toxic.
Skin / Eye IrritationMay cause mild, temporary irritation. Primary concern is cosmetic staining.
CarcinogenicityNo evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity for this natural lichen extract.
Reproductive ToxicityNo data available. Precautionary measures recommended during pregnancy.
Section 12 — Ecological Information
EcotoxicityLow acute aquatic toxicity expected for a natural dye. May cause temporary aesthetic discolouration of receiving waters.
PersistenceNatural product — expected to be biodegradable under environmental conditions
BioaccumulationLow potential
Section 13 — Disposal Considerations
Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Small laboratory quantities: may be diluted with large volumes of water and disposed of via drain (check local trade waste regulations). Bulk quantities: dispose as chemical/laboratory waste via a licensed contractor. Do not incinerate in an uncontrolled manner.
Section 14 — Transport Information
ADG (Australia)Not classified as Dangerous Goods
IATA / IMDGNot classified as Dangerous Goods
UN NumberNot applicable
Sections 15–16 — Regulatory & Other Information
SUSMP ScheduleNot scheduled
AICS StatusListed on Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
WHS ClassificationNot classified as hazardous under Safe Work Australia Model WHS Regulations
SDS RevisionRev. 1.0 — March 2026. Supersedes all prior versions.
Prepared ByAuSaMicS Pty Ltd — Quality & Regulatory Affairs
ReferencesSafe Work Australia Model WHS Regulations; GHS Purple Book (9th Ed.); NICNAS guidelines
DisclaimerThis Safety Data Sheet is provided in good faith and is believed accurate as of the issue date. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd (ABN 56 676 640 467) accepts no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from reliance on this document. This product is for laboratory and research use only. The end user is responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations.
Certificate of Analysis
Litmus Indicator, Pure | Cat. ASD-632
COA — Batch Specific
COA-ASD-632-L001
Issue Date: March 2026
Product Information
Product NameLitmus Indicator, Pure
Catalog No.ASD-632
CAS No.1393-92-6
Colour IndexCI 1242
GradeLaboratory Reagent / Indicator
OriginNatural (lichen extract)
Lot / Batch Information
Lot NumberASD632-L001
Manufacture DateFebruary 2026
Expiry DateFebruary 2029
Quantity25 g
Storage< 25 °C, dry, dark
AppearanceConforms ✓
Analytical Test Results
| No. | Test / Criteria | Method | Specification / Limit | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appearance | Visual inspection | Dark blue to dark purple free-flowing powder | Conforms | PASS |
| 2 | pH of Solution | Potentiometry (1% aq., 20 °C) | 7.0 ± 0.5 | 7.0 | PASS |
| 3 | Colour at pH 5 (Acidic) | Visual — pH buffer solution | Red | Red | PASS |
| 4 | Colour at pH 7 (Neutral) | Visual — pH buffer solution | Purple | Purple | PASS |
| 5 | Colour at pH 8 (Alkaline) | Visual — pH buffer solution | Blue | Blue | PASS |
| 6 | Transition Range | Titration / buffer series | pH 5 to pH 8 | Complies | PASS |
| 7 | Loss on Drying | Gravimetric (110 °C, 2 h) | < 7.0% | 4.8% | PASS |
| 8 | Ash Content | Gravimetric (550 °C, 4 h) | ~22% (18–26%) | 21.6% | PASS |
| 9 | Solubility | Dissolution test (1 g/100 mL H₂O) | Soluble — clear to slightly hazy | Conforms | PASS |
| 10 | Colour Intensity (Absorbance) | UV-Vis (0.1% solution, 600 nm) | A₆₀₀ ≥ 0.15 (neutral form) | 0.19 | PASS |
Overall Batch Disposition
RELEASED — COMPLIES WITH SPECIFICATIONS
Authorisation
Analysed By
QC Analyst | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd
Date: _______________
Approved & Released By
Quality Manager | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd
Date: _______________
DisclaimerThis Certificate of Analysis applies specifically to the lot number indicated above and is based on testing of a representative sample of the batch. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd (ABN 56 676 640 467) warrants that this product meets the specifications stated herein at time of release. This product is for laboratory and research use only. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from use of this product outside its intended application. By using this product the purchaser agrees to these terms.