Genuine Vermillion/Cinnabar
Despite vermillion’s charm, we found the lightfastness tests done by the legendary Gunzorro to be very helpful. His tests of genuine vermillion displayed darkening in bright sunlight over time: https://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/topic/vermilion-test/page/5/
Holbein offers four varieties of paint labeled Vermilion: Vermilion, Vermilion Hue, Chinese Vermilion, and Transparent Vermilion, which are all distinct colors. Both this color, Chinese Vermilion, and Vermilion are labeled as PR106, mercuric sulfide. While we can’t call out every time something is especially toxic, this is a very toxic paint. We are not sure yet the differences between Holbein’s Chinese Vermilion PR106 and Holbein Vermilion PR106. For health and safety as always contact the manufacturer and seek out the third party opinions of qualified toxicologists.