Dates of Use: Before 3000 BCE–rarely used today
Source: Natural inorganic mineral
Chemical Name: Mercuric sulfide
Formula: HgS (plus natural mineral impurities such as pyrite, opal, quartz, and dolomite )
- Cinnabar is a natural inorganic mineral mined from the earth.
- It was an uncommonly bright and opaque red pigment for its time.
- Cinnabar is somewhat rare and was highly valued in many ancient cultures. These included Chinese, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and ancient Roman cultures. It was also valued by the Olmecs, Maya, and other early civilizations in ancient America.
- Cinnabar strongly resists fading, like all inorganic mineral pigments. Iit is somewhat chemically unstable, and it can turn black under certain conditions.
Toxic but Valued
Cinnabar is highly toxic and extremely unhealthy to mine and process. This is because of the high levels of mercury it contains. Even though it was known to be dangerous, cinnabar was used in great quantities, especially in the creation of ancient Roman murals and ancient American sculptures. Mining and processing cinnabar was usually left to slaves and the least privileged workers.
Cinnabar in Ancient America
Ancient Americans used cinnabar on important sculptures and murals. The Maya (circa 250 to 900 CE) considered cinnabar to contain ch’ulel (soul force). This made it a sacred substance. The Aztecs (circa 1300 to1521) bathed new artworks in red pigment to give them soul force.
Cinnabar was also used for important ceremonies and burials of individuals with high social status. Many cultures have used red pigments in their burial traditions. These pigments were used in graves, on bodies, and on burial masks. Sometimes human blood was even mixed with cinnabar to create a special paint. This red paint was applied directly to the body of the deceased.
The use of cinnabar for centuries in ancient American cultures led to heavy mercury pollution. The pollution can be found in ancient cities like Tikal and Cerén. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of mercury in Maya skeletal remains. It accumulated when the people were still alive. The amounts were significant enough to negatively impact health. One of Tikal’s last rulers might have suffered from a disease as a result of chronic mercury poisoning.