Cinnabar

Cinnabar (mercury sulfide, HgS) is the bright scarlet to brick-red ore of mercury. It is the most common source of mercury in nature.

Description of what it is like

• Appearance: Bright red to brownish-red crystals or massive granular aggregates.
• Streak: Scarlet.
• Luster: Adamantine (diamond-like) to dull.
• Toxicity: Contains mercury; handling it is relatively safe if not ingested or heated, but dust is dangerous.

Origin and where to find it

• Environments: Veins in volcanic regions and hot springs.
• Signs: The bright red color is very distinctive.
• Processing: Roasting releases mercury.

Minimum processing required

• Grinding: To use as pigment (vermilion).
• Roasting: To extract mercury.

Tools needed to work on it

• Hammer/Pick: For mining.
• Grinder: For pigment.
• Furnace: For mercury extraction.

Common forms of use

• Pigment: Vermilion (historical, now replaced by cadmium or synthetic reds).
• Ore: For mercury extraction.

Possible substitutes

• Cadmium Red: Non-mercury pigment substitute (also toxic).
• Iron Oxide: Non-toxic red pigment.

Limitations and common failures

• Darkening: Turns black upon exposure to light over time (metacinnabar).

Risks and safety

• Mercury Poisoning: Releasing vapors when heated.
• Dust: Inhalation is dangerous.

Related materials

• Mercury: Extracted from cinnabar.
• Sulfur: Component of the mineral.