Xirallic is an alumina effect pigment made of aluminum oxide platelets covered with titanium oxide that shows a strong glitter effect with a distinct shimmering behavior. [1] [2] [3]
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It was developed and patented by researchers of the company Merck KGaA in Japan. [4] Because the pigment was produced at a single plant in Onahama, [5] production was severally curtailed following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. [6] The shortage of the pigment caused Ford and Chrysler to restrict the availability of cars and trucks in some red and black paints. [7] The shortage also affected other automobile makes. Hyundai replaced Xirallic with mica in their paints. [8] The plant reopened on 8 May 2011. [9]