CINNABAR
Cinnabar crystals on dolomite on grey quartzite aggregate, Szechuan, China
(Cinnabar included) calcite on cinnabar, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico
HgSThis mineral forms as thick tabular, rhombohedral, and prismatic crystals, which are commonly twinned. It also occurs in massive, encrusting or granular habits. The colour is typically brownish red or scarlet. The streak is scarlet. Cinnabar is transparent to opaque, and has an adamantine, submetallic or dull lustre.
Cinnabar forms with realgar and pyrite, around volcanic vents and hot springs. Other associated minerals include native mercury, marcasite, opal, quartz, stibnite and calcite. It may also occur in mineral veins, and in sedimentary rocks associated with recent volcanic activity. Hardness: 2 - 2.5
