Kermes mineral

Kermes mineral or Alkermes mineral (Sb₂S₃) is a compound of antimony oxides and sulphides, more specifically, antimony trioxide and trisulphide. This substance occurs in nature as the mineral Kermesite. It can be made or obtained in the laboratory by the actions of Potassium Carbonate (K₂CO₃) on antimony Sulphide. The compound is reddish brown in color and described as a velvety powder which is insoluble in water. It was used extensively in the medical field until the general use of antimony compounds declined due to toxic affects.

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History and Uses

The name is derived from the word Kermes as denoting the compound’s red color. The origins of the term is from the French kermès, which is short for alkermès, from the Arabic al-qirmiz a reference to crimson dye made from the bodies of insects (see Kermes (dye)). I was also known as poudre des Chartreux from a story of how it saved the life of a Carthusian monk in 1714. Because of its reputation as a medication and heal-all (or panacea), the formula and production process for Kermes mineral was purchased by the French government in 1720. Used for centuries in medicine as a health treatment, diaphoretic (causing sweat), anti-inflammatory and emetic it was used through the 19th century and its use extended to epilepsy treatment in addition to hectic fever.

References

• Kermesite
• Paschal, Ashley and Prof. Bryan Hanson "Dr. William D. Hutchings, 19th Century American Medicine and the Use of Antimony Compounds: A Chemist’s Perspective" (pdf)

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.