Dear all,

We have come across this bright pink ?mineral/?pigment/?industrial waste/?something else, during excavation of Roman deposits in northern England.

We're a bit stumped! We have ideas about it being used in metal working, and have considered that it could be cinnabar, but really we're in the dark.

Any ideas/identification would be very welcomed. (also, if it is toxic/harmful....any advice on storage etc also encouraged!)

Enjoy the extended weekend!

With best wishes, Hannah