[Raman spectroscopic analysis of cinnabar as a traditional Chinese medicine].
OBJECTIVE
To develop a new quality control method for cinnabar, in order to ensure the safety application of cinnabar.


METHODS
Three inorganic mercury compounds (HgS, HgO, and HgCl2) and cinnabar samples were analyzed by laser Raman spectroscopy. The cinnabar samples were identified by comparing the Raman band in the Raman spectrum with pure HgS.


RESULTS
Different Raman bands were observed among three inorganic mercury compounds. The Raman spectroscopic results indicated that cinnabar samples showed the same Raman band as pure HgS, consisting with the HgS contents by XRF analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The Raman spectroscopic method is simple, rapid, and reliable. It can be applied as an alternative quality control method for cinnabar.
Wang
Qi
Q
School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
Zeng
Kewu
K
Zhou
Xinrui
X
Yang
Xiaoda
X
Yang
Xiuwei
X
Wang
Kui
K
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry*; D017669:Mercury Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D017669:Mercury Compounds; C034211:cinnabar