mercuric sulphide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “mercuric sulphide” mean?
A chemical compound with the formula HgS, existing in two forms: the red pigment vermilion and the black mineral metacinnabar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound with the formula HgS, existing in two forms: the red pigment vermilion and the black mineral metacinnabar.
Historically significant as the principal source of the pigment vermilion, used in art and decoration for centuries. In modern contexts, it refers to a toxic compound of mercury and sulfur with applications in pigments, traditional medicine (with caution), and as a semiconductor material in its synthetic form (cinnabar).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'sulphide' (UK) vs. 'sulfide' (US). Pronunciation of 'mercuric' may have a slightly stronger /j/ sound in some UK pronunciations.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The UK spelling may appear in older or internationally influenced scientific texts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “mercuric sulphide” in a Sentence
[Mercuric sulphide] is formed by [reacting mercury with sulphur].[The pigment] consists of [finely ground mercuric sulphide].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mercuric sulphide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mercuric sulphide deposit was extensive.
- A mercuric sulphide-based pigment.
American English
- The mercuric sulfide compound is toxic.
- Mercuric sulfide crystals are hexagonal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might occur in trade contexts related to specialty pigments, hazardous materials, or mining reports.
Academic
Common in chemistry, geology, art history, and archaeology papers discussing pigments, mineralogy, or mercury chemistry.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If encountered, likely in contexts of art, antique restoration, or warnings about toxic substances.
Technical
Standard term in chemical nomenclature, materials science, and industrial hygiene documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mercuric sulphide”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mercuric sulphide”
- Misspelling as 'mercury sulphide' (which is ambiguous regarding oxidation state).
- Confusing 'mercuric' (Hg²⁺) with 'mercurous' (Hg₂²⁺).
- Using 'vermilion' to refer to the black (metacinnabar) form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cinnabar is the name for the red, crystalline mineral form of mercuric sulphide (HgS).
For centuries, it was the source of the vibrant red pigment vermilion, highly prized by artists from ancient Rome to the Renaissance.
No. It is toxic due to its mercury content. Modern use is highly regulated, and safer synthetic alternatives are preferred for pigments.
'Mercuric' sulphide is HgS (mercury in +2 state). 'Mercurous' sulphide is Hg₂S (mercury in +1 state), which is unstable and not a common compound.
A chemical compound with the formula HgS, existing in two forms: the red pigment vermilion and the black mineral metacinnabar.
Mercuric sulphide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Mercuric sulphide: in British English it is pronounced /mɜːˈkjʊər.ɪk ˈsʌl.faɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɚˈkjʊr.ɪk ˈsʌl.faɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MERCURY' combined with 'SULPHUR' makes MERCURIC SULPHIDE. The red form is the famous 'vermilion' seen in historic art.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term with little metaphorical extension.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary hazard associated with handling mercuric sulphide?