What is Mercury(II) sulfide?
[[File:Cinnabar09.jpg|thumb|Cinnabar, the natural form of mercury(II) sulfide]] '''Mercury(II) sulfide''', also known as '''cinnabar''', '''mercuric sulfide''', and '''mercury sulfide''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is HgS. It has [[mercury (element)|mercury]] and [[sulfide]] [[ion]]s in it. The mercury is in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. == Properties == Mercury(II) sulfide is a red or black solid. It is found in two forms; cinnabar (alpha form) and metacinnabar (beta form). The alpha form is more common. The beta form is made when a mercury(II) [[salt]] like [[mercury(II) chloride]] reacts with [[hydrogen sulfide]]. It reacts with only the strongest acids to make hydrogen sulfide and a mercury(II) salt again. It does not dissolve in water. It breaks down to [[sulfur dioxide]] and mercury metal when heated. == Occurrence == [[File:Cinnabar on Dolomite.jpg|thumb|More cinnabar]] Mercury(II) sulfide is found as the [[mineral]] [[cinnabar]]. It is the most common mercury mineral and mercury [[ore]]. It is a bright red mineral. It is soft and heavy. == Uses == Mercury(II) sulfide is what makes the pigment [[vermilion]]. It has been used as a pigment and as a mercury ore. It was used to make [[lacquerware]], containers covered with [[lacquer]]. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. == Related pages == *[[Mercury(II) oxide]] *[[Mercury(I) chloride]] [[Category:Mercury compounds]] [[Category:Sulfur compounds]]