Cinnabar
Image: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameCinnabar
Chemical FormulaHgS
Mohs Hardness2
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorscarlet
Cleavageperfect prismatic {1010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity8.1
Colorsvermilion red, reddish-brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityAlmadén (Spain), Idrija (Slovenia), Huancavelica (Peru), Wanshan (China)
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesmercury ore, pigment, collector
Associated Mineralsdolomite, quartz, pyrite, marcasite, stibnite, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A vibrant, deep red cinnabar crystal with an adamantine luster is prominently displayed, nestled within a matrix of white, blocky dolomite crystals.
Geological Context
Cinnabar typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins and hot spring deposits, often associated with recent volcanic activity and found in sedimentary rocks.
