sedimentary

Jasper with Cinnabar (Dragon Blood Jasper variant)

Silicon Dioxide with Mercury Sulfide (SiO2 + HgS)

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Quartz matrix), Color: Tan to brown base with bright red inclusions, Luster: Dull to earthy (waxy when polished), Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9.

Hardness: 6

Identified April 6, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the infiltration of hydrothermal fluids containing mercury sulfide (cinnabar) into microcrystalline quartz (jasper) or volcanic tuff. This process typically occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a lapidary material for cabochons, beads, and carvings. Historically, cinnabar was a source of mercury, though it is now mostly a collector's item or ornamental stone.

Geological facts

Cinnabar-colored rocks are often called 'Dragon Blood' or 'Cinnabar Jasper.' Because cinnabar contains mercury, these stones should be handled with care, especially during cutting or sanding to avoid inhaling dust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for bright, 'blood-red' streaks or patches within a hard, silica-rich matrix. It is commonly found near volcanic activity and hot springs. Common locations include Nevada (USA), China, and Mexico.

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