Vermilion has quite a notable history. The pigment itself dates back to at least the 2,000 BC in China. Pliny, calling it “minium”, stated that the whole of the supply originated in Sisipo, Spain. The name Vermilion has been in usage since 1289. The striking color is owed to cinnabar, a common ore composed of oxidized mercury (mercury sulfide). In mineral form as well as the pigment that it produced, it is extremely toxic.

It naturally occurs in granular crusts and veins associated with volcanic activity and hot springs. the mineral is cinnabar, the pigment made from the mineral is called Vermilion. The Romans were tremendous fans of the hue. Notably, the ruins at Pompeii was discovered to have many murals painted using this pigment, with some pigment found in a jar at a pigment shop on the fabled site.