Cinnabar
| Colour | Red, Brown, Gray |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 2.0–2.5 |
| Lustre | Adamantine to dull |
| Streak | Scarlet |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Transparent in thin pieces |
| Cleavage | Prismatic {100}, perfect |
| Fracture | Uneven to subconchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Mercury(II) sulfide, HgS |
| Specific gravity | 8.176 |
What is Cinnabar?
Cinnabar, also called cinnabarite or mercurblende, is the bright scarlet to brick-red form of mercury(II) sulfide (HgS). It is the most common source ore for refining elemental mercury and is the historic source for the brilliant red or scarlet pigment termed vermilion and associated red mercury pigments.
How to identify Cinnabar
- Lustre: Adamantine to dull.
- Hardness: Mohs 2.0–2.5 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Scarlet.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Cinnabar in different forms
Stones often confused with Cinnabar
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Cinnabar?
Cinnabar is Mohs 2.0–2.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Cinnabar?
Cinnabar is typically red, brown, gray (Cochineal-red, towards brownish red and lead-gray).