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
Theophilus
Monks Seeing Red
Very early manuscripts document both the manufacture and use of vermilion. Some called this indispensable color the prince of reds which was more brilliant than the natural cinnabar. Theophilus (Roger of Helmarshausen)the Benedictine Monk, described the alchemical synthesis in his technical handbook De diversis artibus (On Divers Arts … [Read more...] about Monks Seeing Red