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Cinnabar and cinnabarite (pronounced and ), likely deriving from the Greek κινναβαρι (''kinnabari''), refer to the common bright scarlet to brick-red form of mercury(II) sulfide, formula HgS, that is the most common source ore for refining elemental mercury, and is the historic source for the brilliant red or scarlet pigment termed vermilion and associated red mercury pigments. Cinnabar generally occurs as a vein-filling mineral associated with recent volcanic activity and alkaline hot springs. The mineral resembles quartz in symmetry and in its exhibiting birefringence; cinnabar has a mean refractive index of ~3.2, a hardness between 2 and 2.5, and a specific gravity of ~8.1. The color and properties derive from a structure that is a rhombohedral crystalline lattice belonging to the hexagonal crystal system, crystals that sometimes exhibit twinning. Cinnabar has been used for its color since antiquity in the Near East, including as a rouge-type cosmetic, in the New World since the Olmec culture, and in China since as early as the Song dynasty, where it was used in coloring lacquerware. Associated modern precautions for use and handling of cinnabar arise from the toxicity of the mercury component, which was recognized as early as ancient Rome. ==Etymology== The name comes from κινναβαρι (''kinnabari''), a Greek word most likely applied by Theophrastus to several distinct substances. Other sources say the word comes from the ''shangarf'' (Arabicized as زنجفرة ''zinjifrah''), a word of uncertain origin (also compare, Sanskrit सुगर ''sugara''). In Latin it was sometimes known as ''minium'', meaning also "red cinnamon", though both of these terms now refer specifically to lead tetroxide.〔Daniel V. Thompson, 1956, ''The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting'', Chicago, IL, USA: Dover (R.R. Donnelley-Courier), pp. 100–102.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「cinnabar」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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