Cinnabar is a natural occurring ore of mercury in its compound, and it is derived from mercury sulfide. It has also been used in various aspects of ancient Chinese culture. The use of cinnabar as pigment in art is probably the most well-known.
Cinnabar has been used in Chinese traditionally in the production of medicines and so is known as Dragons blood. This type of dragons blood is usually collected from non-sterile quarrying sites and used in special medicines such as Red Wing drugs. In modern times it also been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Generally, these medicines are ground up and a pinch is taken as a treatment for maladies.
Cinnabar is also used in the production of vermilion, a type of red paint or dye. Vermilion is also commonly referred to as Chinese Red and was a popular plaster-pigment for decoration of the walls of temples and the like. Most vermilion used in the past to paint Chinese temples was made from crushed cinnabar. Besides its use as a pigment, cinnabar can also be used to create jewelry and carvings.
Cinnabar jewelry is usually made by carving and polishing the surface of the stone, which reveals its natural rusty red color. Many cinnabar pieces of jewelry are made of various shapes such as pendants, earrings and bracelets.
The natural color and luster of cinnabar are its main advantages. Its bright color is further highlighted by the unique vein patterns its surface often have. The veins in cinnabar stones can be made visible by applying a thin coat of mineral oil. The reflection of light from the surface of the cinnabar allows for a variety of light effects depending on the shape of the piece.
Cinnabar can be found near volcanic and river beds where hot sulfuric acid has condensed with the mercury that naturally occurs in the Earth’s crust. The hot sulfuric acid usually dissolves the mercury and turns it into mercuric sulfide which forms oddly shaped and colored crystals of cinnabar.
The interesting color and makeup of cinnabar, as well as its rarity, makes it a desirable decorative stone. Cinnabar has been used throughout history to produce jewelry, decorative carvings and pigments, and is known for its unique colors and patterns. It is also said to be good for healing purposes, although this should be used with caution. Cinnabar is a beautiful and interesting addition to any decoration or collection.
