Bright scarlet stone Cinnabar - a story from ancient times, where you can find how it is used, jewelry and gems

Probably, in your childhood, in school textbooks, you often looked at reproductions of miniatures, on which the battles of Russian princes or the path “from the Varangians to the Greeks” were depicted in reddish color. You had no idea that such paint is called cinnabar. And the most interesting thing is that the word "miniature" has nothing to do with "mini", but goes back to the same "cinnabar". So what is cinnabar?

Cinnabar is a mercury mineral of the sulfide class. From it, in the past, they received paint with the same name. For many centuries it has been used in medicine, magic, cosmetics and jewelry. And since pure mercury is not found in nature, cinnabar is the most important source of this liquid metal.

origin of name

The word "cinnabar" came to us from Byzantium, but the Greeks themselves borrowed it from the ancient Persian language, where it was translated as "dragon's blood." In fact, such stones with their bright scarlet color resemble drops of blood. But the Slavs noticed the property of mercury to quickly spread into small balls and called the gem “zhivak”. In Western science and academic literature, cinnabar is denoted by the Latin term "cinnabarite".

Properties Cinnabar

Physical Properties

Under natural conditions, cinnabar is represented by massive or granular trigonal red crystals. Due to impurities, it can be purple or reddish brown, yellowish red, lighter or darker, and sometimes purple. On small crystals and transparent thin chips, a specific "diamond" luster is observed.

Natural crystal has a granular structure. It differs from other red gems in its fragility, high specific gravity (density - 8.0 - 8.2 g / cm3) and low hardness (2.0 - 2.5 units). It is characterized by uneven, rough chipping.

Chemical properties

The chemical formula of cinnabar is HgS (mercury(II) sulfide).

Includes mercury (86.2%), sulfur (12 - 14%) and impurities.

When heated in air to 200 °C, it melts and evaporates with sulfur dioxide and mercury vapor (HgS + O2 = Hg + SO2). Pure crystals are soluble only in “aqua regia” (HNO3 + 3HCl), from which it is no longer possible to extract cinnabar of the original color, however, the mineral is resistant to sulfuric, nitric or hydrochloric acids separately.

Where to find Cinnabar

The formation of cinnabar in the bowels of the Earth

Cinnabar is a mineral of hydrothermal origin, that is, formed under the influence of high pressures with the participation of hot solutions at medium and shallow depths. This means that when going on a geological exploration, cinnabar must be sought near volcanoes and hot springs in near-surface deposits, along with quartz, barite, galena and other rocks.

Place of Birth

Since cinnabar ore lies near volcanoes, the territory rich in “fire-breathing mountains” and hot springs will certainly harbor “dragon blood” in its depths.This is confirmed by the Italian deposits, developed since the time of Ancient Rome, and the Spanish ones, including the largest in the world, Almaden. The leading positions in the extraction of cinnabar are occupied by Serbia and Slovenia, due to the relief of the Balkan Peninsula. In the USA, the presence of such deposits was determined by the Cordillera. And in South America, the Andes belt.

In our country there are no deposits of cinnabar ore on a world scale. However, many are small. Most significant:

• Tamvatneyskoye (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug)
• Zapodno-Palyanskoye (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug)
• Chagan-Uzunskoe (Republic of Altai)

Artificial Cinnabar

It turns out that the mysterious mineral is not difficult to make a professional chemist. The Chinese already knew this technology in ancient times.

Artificial cinnabar is made by two different methods: dry and wet. First, by mixing mercury and sulfur, mercury sulfide is formed, which has a black color (β-HgS). Further, depending on the method of obtaining, it is either heated (dry) or ground with the addition of water and caustic soda (wet). As a result, black mercury sulfide turns red.

Paints: production, application, properties

Red Vermilion

Even in the Romans, they knew the technology of dyeing fabrics with cinnabar dye, and in China - leather products. Red cinnabar pigment was also mixed with egg yolk or oil, respectively, to obtain tempera or oil paints used in icon painting or painting. Paint based on artificial cinnabar - vermilion - was distinguished by a rich dark red color. However, artists used cinnabar paints only in small-format works, so as not to harm their health.True, the properties of such paints left much to be desired: over time, the red color on frescoes, icons and paintings faded, and artificial cinnabar acquired a gray or black color! So with the invention of cadmium red in 1910, the old paint was almost completely abandoned. But only almost. Khokhloma still observes traditions and cannot do without it.

"False cinnabar": Green cinnabar

But green cinnabar, or wagon greens, has nothing to do with its “red namesake”! This "imposter" consists of chromium oxide mixed with spar or a mixture of Parisian and Prussian blue with chrome yellow, cadmium yellow or zinc yellow and is used when performing painting work.

Jewelry

Cinnabar is an attractive gem that has been popular with master jewelers since ancient times. Such a stone is plastic, although fragile. It is rarely cut. Suitable for the production of carved inserts. But beads and other large jewelry of this kind are practically not created - products are dangerous to health.

It is possible that when buying cinnabar jewelry, you will be sold a fake. Even certified products do not give a 100% guarantee of quality. Therefore, you need to be especially careful not to buy a cheaper one instead of a “dragon's blood” stone.

No jewelry examination is complete without heating. However, in this case, such a procedure is unacceptable: the aesthetic characteristics of the stone deteriorate. But there is one property of this stone that distinguishes it from the rest, also red and outwardly indistinguishable from it. Remember: cinnabar is a heavy mineral!

magical properties

Even in ancient times, the mineral was considered an important component of the philosopher's stone.The mysterious favorite of alchemists was credited with the magical ability to destroy astral structures or exorcise spirits. To this end, mercury was sprayed into the air, and otherworldly entities had to leave the dangerous, unpleasant zone. Cinnabar jewelry, which has not lost its popularity today, is endowed with similar properties.

Psychological impact

Cinnabar has a positive effect on the human energy field, improves mood, inspires confidence in the chosen path of life, if you have low self-esteem or difficulties with self-acceptance. In a word, it normalizes the general emotional background.

Another attractive quality of a wonderful stone is the longevity acquired by the person who wears or stores it.

In addition, you will forever be left alone with the old obsessive thoughts, unreasonable fears, indignation, thanks to the regular use of cinnabar stone, which will help you move freely towards any difficulties.

With this stone, the soul will be freed from feelings of anger, you will become more compassionate, more peaceful. And for those who are vulnerable and easily take everything to heart, cinnabar stone will add a touch of humor.

Career impact

Since it is well known that vermilion brings good luck and abundance to a person, this stone is preferred by people who are hungry for wealth.

Cinnabar has a positive effect on the sphere of negotiations and commerce, so if your work involves selling or persuading customers, you should keep the mysterious stone nearby while you work to improve your persuasion and marketing skills.

Cinnamon is ideal for people who dream of a successful leadership career because it helps them become more assertive without being overly aggressive or overbearing.And the ability to attract wealth and recognize problems make it a suitable solution for businessmen.

These are the ideas that entangle this mineral!

Precautionary measures

For a long time, healers and healers around the world attributed healing properties to mercury stone, they even recommended putting it under the pillow. In China, artisans made expensive dishes from this breed. In Europe, cinnabar was used to treat syphilis (it is known that Ivan the Terrible himself underwent a similar “course of treatment”). However, few could assume that such treatment was more than doubtful, entailed a fatal outcome. Since all mercury compounds are dangerous, cinnabar is no exception. It is the most toxic mineral to process that exists on Earth. It is no coincidence that the extraction of cinnabar ore in Spain was equated with the death penalty. Therefore, we recommend that you follow a number of rules that will help you avoid negative consequences for the body:

• Laboratory work with cinnabar should be carried out strictly according to the instructions.
• Store cinnabar jewelry in a closed box.
• Eliminate the possibility of heating jewelry.
• Wear jewelry 1-2 times a week.
• Clean only with cool water.

Conclusion

So, cinnabar is interesting to us not only because of its amazing name. Throughout the history of mankind, this mineral has been used in many areas of life: from wall paintings in primitive caves to high-tech production that cannot do without mercury. Cinnabar jewelry is still popular. Have not lost the relevance of the paint.

Like everything in this world, cinnabar has a downside for human life and health.That is why it is so important to know its properties, apply it correctly, and consult with specialists.

Photo of Cinnabar stone