Vermilion Is So Called From The Italian Word Vermiglio (little Worm)
:
ON THE PRIMARY, RED.
given to the kermes or "coccus ilicis," which was used as a scarlet dye
before the introduction of cochineal. It is a sulphuret of mercury,
which previous to levigation is called Cinnabar; and is found native in
quicksilver mines, as well as produced artificially. This is an ancient