mineral

Cinnabar

Mercury(II) sulfide (HgS)

Hardness of 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, bright scarlet to brick-red color, adamantine to dull luster, hexagonal crystal system, perfect prismatic cleavage, and a very high specific gravity (approx. 8.1).

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in low-temperature hydrothermal veins and hot spring environments, commonly associated with volcanic activity and recent tectonic zones.

Uses & applications

Historically the principal ore for extracting liquid mercury, and used as a brilliant red pigment (vermilion) in paints and lacquers. Due to high toxicity, modern use is extremely limited.

Geological facts

Cinnabar has been mined for thousands of years, notably by the ancient Romans and Chinese for pigments and alchemy. It is extremely toxic due to its high mercury content and should be handled with caution.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinctive bright red color, high density (heavy for its size), and scarlet streak. Found globally in areas with past volcanic or hydrothermal activity, such as Spain, China, and the USA.