It can be made or obtained in the laboratory by the actions of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) on antimony sulfide.
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 effects.
It was also known as poudre des Chartreux from a story of how it saved the life of a Carthusian monk in 1714.
[1] 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.