Intensive mining ofmercury (Hg) began around 1400 BC in the central Peruvian
Andes. Cinnabar (HgS or mercuric sulphide) is the primary natural source of
mercury (Hg), and forms a bright red pigment (vermillion) when powdered. In
the Andes vermillion was used as either a body paint or a covering on
ceremonial gold objects from the first ( Chavín) to the last ( Inca) Andean
empires.