vermilions

Vermilion refers to a brilliant red pigment originally made from the powdered mineral cinnabar. Cinnabar is a sulfidic mineral of mercury, HgS. Historically, vermilion was highly prized for its vibrant color and was used extensively in art, painting, and as a cosmetic. The process of creating vermilion pigment from cinnabar was complex and often involved heating mercury and sulfur together. This pigment was known for its excellent lightfastness and opacity, making it a desirable choice for artists seeking a durable and vivid red.

The name "vermilion" is derived from the Old French word "vermeillon," which itself likely comes from the Latin "vermiculus," meaning "little worm." This is thought to refer to the kermes insect, which was another source of a red dye, though distinct from the mineral pigment. Due to the toxicity of mercury, the production and use of vermilion became less common over time, especially as synthetic red pigments with similar color properties but without the health hazards became available. Today, while historically significant, natural vermilion is rarely used in modern applications.