mineral
Cinnabar in Quartz
Mercury sulfide (HgS) in silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness varies from 7 for the quartz host to 2-2.5 for cinnabar. Color is milky white to yellowish with bright red cinnabar inclusions. Luster is vitreous to earthy. Crystal system is trigonal (quartz) and trigonal/hexagonal (cinnabar).
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Physical properties
Hardness varies from 7 for the quartz host to 2-2.5 for cinnabar. Color is milky white to yellowish with bright red cinnabar inclusions. Luster is vitreous to earthy. Crystal system is trigonal (quartz) and trigonal/hexagonal (cinnabar).
Formation & geological history
Formed in low-temperature hydrothermal veins and hot spring environments where mercury-bearing solutions interact with silica-rich rocks.
Uses & applications
Mainly collected as mineral specimens, sometimes used in lapidary arts or carved items, and historically the primary ore of mercury.
Geological facts
Cinnabar has a very high specific gravity and was historically used to produce brilliant red vermilion pigment. Due to its mercury content, specimens should be handled with care.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by the striking bright red inclusions or staining contrasting against a white or translucent quartz matrix. Found globally in regions with past volcanic or hydrothermal activity.
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