Without going too deeply into the scientific technicalities of cinnabar/vermilion properties, the differences between the two pigments are: cinnabar is created by the combination of mercury and sulfur through a natural process and found in mines in many locations, and vermilion is made by combining mercury and sulfur in very hot temperatures … [Read more...] about Dragons and Elephants
Pliny the Elder
The Basilisk
According to Micha Lindemans, the basilisk is the mythical king of the serpents. This cockatrice creature was born from a spherical, yolkless egg, laid during the days of Sirius by a seven year old rooster and hatched by a toad. It also played a role in the making of Spanish Gold. The basilisk could have originated from the horned adder or hooded … [Read more...] about The Basilisk