Loosejohnny, in case you wanted to know how mercury is isolated from HgS (cinnabar), the cinnabar is heated strongly, causing the mercury to separate
from the sulfur. The mercury is then condensed. There's a thread on this particular topic in Chemistry in General, check it out if you're interested.
I do not, however, recommend that you perform this experiment - it's very dangerous.
HgS, also known as vermilion pigment, is a bright red color. Beauty has its price, doesn't it... Perhaps this could be obtained from an art supply
shop? Maybe not these days, but it might be worth a shot.
[Edited on 19-10-2013 by Awesomeness]
Fear is what you get when caution wasn't enough.
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