Used primarily in the production of safety matches, where it serves as a key component in the match head formulation due to its friction-sensitive properties. It is also utilized in certain types of pyrotechnics and fireworks to generate special effects, such as bright flashes or smoke. In some industrial applications, it functions as a pigment in specialty coatings and rubber products, providing a deep red or maroon color. Additionally, it has limited use in semiconductor materials and solid-state electronics research due to its unique sulfide structure.