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Cinnabar
Cinnabar is a popular mineral composed of mercury sulfide. [1]
Cinnabar: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Cinnabar:- Transparency: Cinnabar can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, cinnabar can be hexagonal or trigonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, cinnabar can be adamantine, dull or submetallic.
- Streak: Cinnabar streaks red.
- Hardness: Cinnabar's hardness ranges from 2 to 2.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Cinnabar's specific gravity is 8.09.
Cinnabar: Background and Summary
Cinnabar is a mineral that is known for its bright red color and is commonly used as a source of mercury. It is composed of mercury sulfide and is often found in association with other minerals such as quartz and calcite. Cinnabar is also known by other names such as vermilion, mercury sulfide, and mercury ore.One of the easiest ways to identify cinnabar is by its bright red color. It has a distinctive deep red hue that is often described as resembling the color of blood. Cinnabar has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3, which means it is relatively soft and can be easily scratched with a fingernail. It is also quite heavy, with a specific gravity of 8.1.
Cinnabar has been used for various purposes throughout history. One of its most significant uses is as a source of mercury. Mercury is a highly toxic substance that is used in a range of industrial applications, including the production of fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and thermometers. Cinnabar is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is believed to have healing properties.
In addition to its industrial and medicinal uses, cinnabar is also used in art and decoration. The bright red pigment obtained from cinnabar has been used for centuries in the production of paints, dyes, and inks. It was particularly popular during the Renaissance period and was used by many famous artists, including Titian and Rembrandt.
Cinnabar: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Cinnabar (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | HgS |
| Chemical Composition | mercury sulfide |
| Specific Gravity | 8.09 |
| Hardness | 2, 2.5 |
| Streak | red |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 2.905, 3.256 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: red, gray, brown sometimes: scarlet less common: black |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Category | sulfide |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.351 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Cinnabar: FAQ
Q: Is cinnabar dangerous?A: Cinnabar itself is not dangerous, but it is a source of mercury, which is highly toxic. It should only be handled by trained professionals using proper safety equipment.
Q: Can cinnabar be found in the United States?
A: Yes, cinnabar can be found in various locations throughout the United States, including California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Q: Is cinnabar a rare mineral?
A: Cinnabar is not considered a rare mineral, but it is relatively uncommon compared to other minerals such as quartz or feldspar.
Sources
- "Cinnabar." Mineralogy Database, www.mindat.org/min-1064.html.- "Cinnabar." Geology.com, geology.com/minerals/cinnabar.shtml.
- Cinnabar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnabar
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