Cinnabar

Cinnabar, Almadén.

Composition Mercuric sulphide HgS Crystal system Trigonal
Hardness (Moh´s)
 2 - 21/2 Density 8-8,2
Refractive index 2,905-3,256 Birefringence 0,360
Pleocroisme
 - Fluorescence -
Fracture
 uneven I. Dispertion weak
Cleavage
 perfect Streak scarlet
Absortion: no determinated.
  • The name comes from greek kinnabari = vermilion.
  • It´s red, rarely it founds in crystals, the wich ones are rhombohedral, trapezoidal, slab. Normaly are granulars aggregates, massive.
  • Localities: round the world: Alemania, Italia, Yugoeslavia, USA, Rusia, China; Problably the world´s famous locality is Almadén, Ciudad Real, España.
  • Treatments: unknown.
  • Gemologicals uses: The massive Cinnabar use to be cut in cab or in carving. The transparent in facets, for a colectors.
  • It exist a dye quars (naturally) by Cinnabar, very appreciated in China like a amulet, called "cock blood"; In USA exist this variety called Miricquite.
Gems list
Principal
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© Montse Bagué and Josep M. Serrano.Text and photos. Reproduction not allowed without permission.