Vermillion

Vermillion is a vivid red-orange pigment and the color named after it. The traditional pigment is mercuric sulfide, known as cinnabar, but vermilion can also be produced synthetically. The hue ranges from bright scarlet to deeper reddish-orange, with strong opacity and high tinting strength, making it a favored pigment for achieving intense reds in art and decoration.

Historically, vermilion has been prized across cultures. It appeared in ancient Chinese lacquerware and Buddhist art, in Persian and Indian miniature painting, and later in European Renaissance works. Its brightness made it a preferred color for highlights and fine details. In modern practice, natural vermilion has largely given way to safer synthetic reds, though vermilion pigments are still used in some traditional and restoration contexts.

Because the pigment contains mercury, handling vermilion requires care. It can pose health risks if inhaled as a fine dust, and improper disposal of mercury-containing materials is a concern. Conservators and artists may use non-mercury substitutes or stabilized formulations, while some applications preserve genuine vermilion for historical authenticity.

The term vermilion also appears as a place name, used in various towns and regions in North America and beyond, with spellings such as Vermilion or Vermillion. In addition to its color and pigment connotations, Vermillion is encountered in geographical and cultural contexts, reflecting the pigment’s historical significance.