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How has mercury(II) sulfide been used as a pigment?

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A periodic table element box for mercury shows its symbol Hg, atomic number 80, atomic weight 200.592, electron configuration, and name. Icons indicate mercury is a transition metal, liquid at room temperature, has a rhombohedral crystal structure, and is weakly basic. — mercury Properties of mercury.

Mercury(II) sulfide (HgS), which occurs naturally as the mineral cinnabar, is a crystalline solid that exists in both red and black forms. It has been used primarily as a pigment in paints, rubber, and plastics.12

It is important to note that while the term "cinnabar" refers to this mercury-based compound, other pigments with similar names, such as "green cinnabar" or "antimony cinnabar," are distinct substances that do not contain mercury(II) sulfide. Due to the inherent toxicity of mercury, the use of such compounds requires careful handling and adherence to safety standards to prevent poisoning.3452