Mercury(II) sulfide

Chemical properties

Fine, bright-scarlet powder.Insoluble in water and alcohol.

Cinnabar, HgS, cherry red crystal to 5 mm among snow white rhombic dolomite, CaMg(CO3)2. Wanshan mine, Tongren Pref., Guizhou prov., China.

The Uses of Mercury(II) sulfide

Mercury(II) sulfide is used in paint, sealing wax and preservatives.

The Uses of Mercury(II) sulfide

For coloring plastics, sealing wax, and with FeSO4 for marking linen; manufacture of fancy colored papers; as pigment.

The Uses of Mercury(II) sulfide

Mercuric sulfide (HgS) is a fine, very brilliant scarlet powder that is deadly if ingested. Also known as the mercury ore cinnabar and metacinnabar, it is used as a pigment in the manufacture of paints.

Definition

cinnabar: A bright red mineralform of mercury(II) sulphide, HgS,crystallizing in the hexagonal system;the principal ore of mercury. Itis deposited in veins and impregnationsnear recent volcanic rocks andhot springs. The chief sources includeSpain, Italy, and Yugoslavia.

Air & Water Reactions

Readily oxidized as to be pyrophoric in air [Bretherick 1979. p. 120].

Reactivity Profile

Inorganic reducing agents, such as MERCURY(II) SULFIDE, react with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive.

Hazard

Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.

Health Hazard

Acute poisoning can result from inhaling dust concentrations of 1.2-8.5 mg/m 3 in air; symptoms include pain and tightness in chest, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. If ingested, toxicity depends on release of t he Hg ++ ion; chronic mercury poisoning can cause kidney, mental, and nervous disturbances. Dust irritates eyes and frequently causes allergic dermatitis; absorption through skin can cause systemic poisoning.