cinnabar etymology

Etymology and Origin

The word "cinnabar" is ultimately derived from the ancient Persian word "zaniyakh", meaning "dragon's blood". This name was given to the mineral due to its red color, which was thought to resemble the blood of a dragon.

Meaning

Cinnabar is a mineral composed of mercury sulfide (HgS). It is a bright red, crystalline mineral that is often found in association with mercury deposits.

Cinnabar has been used for centuries as a pigment in paints, dyes, and cosmetics. It was also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, cinnabar is still used as a pigment in some paints and dyes, but its most important use is in the production of mercury.

cinnabar relate terms

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