Have you ever used real vermillion? Even holding the tube, its unexpected weight, takes the breath away.⁠
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Made by grinding a powder of cinnabar. It must be the mercury that makes it so heavy. Or the gorgeousness.⁠
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Mining cinnabar is difficult, expensive and dangerous⁠
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The first documented use of vermilion pigment, made with ground cinnabar dates as far back as 8000–7000 BC.⁠
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It was found at the neolithic village of Catalhoyuk, now Turkey. Cinnabar was mined in Spain beginning in about 5300 BC. ⁠

The Yangshao culture in China used it from 5000–4000 BC, where it was used for ritual ceremonies, to paint ceramics, to cover the walls and floors of rooms.⁠
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It’s so beautiful to use. A brilliant red that makes my knees tremble. But not quite as hot as Cadmium. ⁠Titanium white demolishes it into a coral. But Lead White, that’s another matter altogether. 
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