Cinnabar Meaning and Properties
Cinnabar History
Cinnabar is an ore and a crystal, a variant of quicksilver—what medieval alchemists called the element mercury.
The name "cinnabar" is said to derive from an Eastern Indian phrase meaning "dragon's blood." The part to remember is that Eastern dragons were long considered helpful, beneficial creatures—not the fire-breathing destructive tyrants they are in the West. The stone's bold red color (frequently natural, although sometimes dyed) supports the "dragon's blood" description! Other sources say the name comes from ancient Greek or Persian.
During ancient times, cinnabar was mined to be turned into mercury. Medieval alchemists (trying to turn lead into gold), would use the changeable "quicksilver" in their efforts (often resulting in mercury poisoning and madness). Renaissance painters such as Titian would grind the non-gem form into powder for a color called vermilion or "China red." The red dust was used in Central America by the Olmec and Mayan peoples in their burials, dusted over the dead. In medieval China, cinnabar was added to lacquerware as a colorant.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Cinnabar?
Cinnabar is considered a powerful stone and, due to being a mercury variant, that quality is both physical and metaphysical. Unsealed natural cinnabar needs to be worn and used carefully—do NOT ingest cinnabar in any way! Do not soak it in water. Avoid wearing the stone against the skin in humid or perspiring conditions. Wash your hands and skin if they do come into contact with a natural, unsealed stone.
All of those warnings aside, cinnabar meaning is associated with manifestation: it is said to bring things into being. (It is especially popular among those seeking wealth, assertiveness and romance.) For wealth generation, it is recommended to keep cinnabar close to the register or check-out—wherever the business takes in money. Salespeople are encouraged to wear cinnabar, as it is purported to lift their self-assurance and persuasive power. Cinnabar meaning is also tied to those who seek love, making them manifest their best and most attractive selves—and breaking through inhibitions and self-doubts.
Although not a birthstone, cinnabar is affiliated with the Zodiac sign Leo. It is often associated with the base and sacral chakras.
What is Cinnabar Made From?
Cinnabar is a form of mercury and has been known to be poisonous since ancient Rome. This mineral ore is formed from volcanic activity interacting with geothermal activity. Currently, cinnabar has been observed being deposited along vents and on the edges of hot springs in California and Nevada. Mercury poisoning—sometimes called "mad hatter disease"—can be caused by long-term exposure to cinnabar and more purified materials.
Crystal cinnabar is found in numerous locations in China and the United States, as well as Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt and Mexico. In the U.S., cinnabar is found primarily in California and Nevada, with smaller deposits Texas and Arkansas.
- Mineral Information: Mercury sulfide
- Chemical Composition: HgS
- Color: Bright red, violet-red, scarlet-red, brownish-red, dark metallic-red and pale blue
- Hardness: 2 to 2-1/2 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 8.0 – 8.2
- Refractive Index: 2.91 – 3.25 (birefringent)
How Do You Clean Cinnabar?
Mineral cinnabar is a very soft material and was popular for carving. Most of what is currently sold as cinnabar is either lacquerware or resin with a synthetic colorant to get the right hue. Natural cinnabar should only be wiped with a soft, damp cloth while wearing rubber or latex gloves. Lacquerware is similarly soft. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Imitation cinnabar a resin that can be cleaned with a soft brush if needed. Avoid steam, as resins can melt.
Cinnabar FAQ
Q: Can cinnabar be used safely in jewelry?
A: Cinnabar can be worn safely but be sure to remove it before doing anything that would involve contact with liquid—including perspiring! A safer option is wearing imitation cinnabar. You can get the same timeless look without the risk.
Q: Does cinnabar fade in the sunlight?
A: Interestingly, instead of fading in sunlight, natural cinnabar can actually darken over time with prolonged exposure. In contrast, imitation cinnabar—typically made from wood coated with thick resin—tends to fade when exposed to light. To preserve the appearance of both natural and imitation cinnabar, it’s best to store them in a cool, dark place.
Q: How should cinnabar be handled and stored safely?
A: Store cinnabar (and imitation cinnabar) in a cool, dry, dark place. Keeping it its own cloth pouch can help avoid damage.
Q: Has cinnabar been around since ancient times?
A: Cinnabar has been valued since ancient times for a wide range of uses—including as a vibrant red pigment in paint, cosmetics, ceramics and even tattoos. It has also served as the primary ore for extracting quicksilver (mercury) and has been carved or set into jewelry for centuries.
Q: What are common uses for cinnabar besides jewelry?
A: Today, cinnabar is mostly used as a source of mercury. Mercury is used in thermometers, light bulbs and sprinklers, among other applications.
Designing with Cinnabar
Rich black, bold red, turquoise blue or creamy white—imitation cinnabar is carved or molded with interesting patterns that give an Eastern air to jewelry and decor designs. The bold red version most strongly echoes the appearance of historical Chinese lacquerware, offering a strong visual to design around. The stylistic influences are very strong, so be aware when you design what images and connotations this material brings to your creations.
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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