Named from Arabic and Persian words for "dragon's blood," cinnabar comes in a remarkable brick-red color and has been used as a pigment in China as far back as prehistoric times. Cinnabar has been found in locations worldwide, usually near the earth's surface in areas of moderate volcanic activity. It tends to be associated with hot springs, deposited by superheated water laden with elements like sulfur and mercury. It has been found in areas from China to South America to Italy.