A metallic element that is shiny and silver colored that can exist in the +1 and +2 ionic states and which forms a bright red compound with sulfur is mercury, Hg
The compound formed between mercury and silver is one of the earliest synthetic compound also known as vermilion and cinnabar. The bright red pigment of the HgS is used widely and is one of the most favorite pigment found in medieval European outstanding works of arts and in Chinese decorated wares made of lacquer as well as in mesoAmerica.
