Vermilion

ver-mil'yun, a beautiful brilliant red coloring material. In its native state it is a mineral called cinnabar, or mercuric sulphide. The genuine pigment is obtained by grinding the ore. Artificial vermilion is produced by mixing mercury, that is to say, quicksilver, with sulphur, potash, and water, and roasting the mixture over a hot fire. Vermilion is used extensively in painting and in decorating. Red sealingwax owes its crimson hue to vermilion. See Mercury; Paint