Nomenclature
CAS number: 1344-48-5
Ethiops mineral.
HgS; mol wt 232.66.
Hg 86.22%, S 13.78%.
Description and references
Occurs as a mineral in California. Prepd by
passing hydrogen sulfide through a soln of mercuric chloride in hydrochloric
acid.
Properties
Black or grayish-black, heavy, odorless, tasteless,
amorphous powder. Also occurs as black, cubic crystals (β-form).
Transition temp (red to black) 386°. Black form can exist indefinitely
in metastable state at room temp. Insol in water, alcohol, dil mineral
acids.Use
As pigment for horn, rubber, etc.