Lithopone was discovered in the 1870s by DuPont. It was manufactured by Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company and other companies. The material came in different seals, which varied in the content of zinc sulfide. Gold seal and Bronze seals contain 40-50% zinc sulfide, offering more hiding power and strength. Although its popularity peaked around 1920, approximately 223,352 tons were produced in 1990. It is mainly used in paints, putty, and in plastics.

1. 296 to 1.357 g/cm3 is obtained. The reaction solution is subjected to pressure filtration through a plate frame to obtain a cake-like lithopone powder having a water content of not more than 45%. The mixture is calcined in a dry roaster to change the crystal form of the lithopone, and then acid-washed with sulfuric acid at a temperature of 80 °C. Finally, it is washed with water, reinforced with coloring agent, pressure filtration, drying and milling.

This route affords a product that is 29.4 wt % ZnS and 70.6 wt % BaSO₄. Variations exist, for example, more ZnS-rich materials are produced when zinc chloride is added to the mixture of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide.