About
Cinnabar is occasionally associated with Native Mercury, in the form of small metallic blobs perched on top or within cavities of the Cinnabar. Since Cinnabar is composed from mercury which has various health hazards, it is recommended to wash hands after handling Cinnabar specimens.
Crystal Forms & Aggregates
Other ID Marks
Striking Features
Environment
Varieties
✓ common · ✗ uncommon
- Myrickite— Agate/Chalcedony or Opal with red bands or red spots of the mineral Cinnabar. It is named after Myrick Spring, San Bernardino Co., California.
Polymorphs
Uses
Noteworthy Localities
Almaden, Ciudad Real, Spain, is probably the most historic (as well as one of the most important) localities for Cinnabar. Specimens from that locality usually massive, but crystals have also been found, and it has also produced specimens in association with small Native Mercury blobs. Other important deposits include Idria, Slovenia; Rudňany, Slovakia; Nikitovka (Horlivka), Donets'ka Oblast, Ukraine; and Chauvai, Alai Range, Kyrgyzstan. In Mexico, a classic locality is Charcas, San Luis Potosí.
The U.S. also contains several important deposits, most notably in the mercury-producing districts of California and Nevada. California deposits include the New Almaden District, Santa Clara Co.; and New Idria and Mount Diablo, Diablo Range, San Benito / Contra Costa Counties. Nevada deposits include the Cahill Mine, Poverty Peak, Humboldt Co.; and Antelope Springs, Pershing Co. Other occurences include Terlingua, Brewster Co., Texas; and Kirby, Pike Co., Arkansas.
Common Mineral Associations
Distinguishing Similar Minerals
Cuprite - Higher in hardness, forms in different crystal habits.
Sphalerite - Higher in hardness, lower specific gravity.
Photos
See all 16 photos →Crystal forms
Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.