Cinnabar

 

 

Source: United States

 

Chemical: HgS (Mercury Ore)

 

Crystal System: Trigonal

 

Formation: Volcanic craters and hydrothermal environments such as hot springs. It can form in conjunction with dolomites as shown in the photograph below.

 

Unusual Properties: Although cinnabar is sometimes used as carved ornamental beads, this is a dangerous mineral due to its high mercury content. In fact, the method for extracting mercury from cinnabar is to heat the mineral to a temperature of only about 400F and the crystallized mercury will turn into a gaseous form. This gas is then put through a process of condensation to produce a liquid state which produces liquid mercury....used in thermometers for many decades.

 

Unfortunately, mercury poisoning has become a serious problem to the environment, and use of this mineral for anything other than scientific or collectors purposes should be seriously considered for environmental reasons.

 

Gemological information on this page has been provided by the

International School of Gemology.