Definition of the word cinnabar

In antiquity, cinnabar was thought to be a dragon's blood, with the red color of the mineral believed to resemble the blood of slain dragons. This mystical association was strengthened by the fact that cinnabar was often found in veins or vein-like structures in rocks, giving it a blood-like appearance. The Greek word "κινναβάριον" itself can be traced back to the Persian "sinabar" or "sinibar", both of which probably mean "red stone" in the ancient Persian language. The Persians may have acquired the name from the Sogdians, an ancient Iranian people who traded in the mineral across Central Asia. Over time, the meaning of the word "cinnabar" expanded to include not just the mineral but also the red color it produces. Today, the term "cinnabar" is still used to describe the pigment, as well as other ruddy red hues that evoke the intense color of the mineral. In short, the word "cinnabar" has a fascinating history that spans centuries and multiple languages, reflecting both its rich cultural significance and its enduring allure as a valuable and symbolic resource.