Formula: HgS

Species: Sulfides

Colour: Tint or shade of red; cochineal red, brownish red

Lustre: Metallic

Hardness: 2 – 2½

Specific Gravity: 8.176

Crystal System: Trigonal

Name: The origin of the name is still unclear, but beyond doubt oriental). The first name used for this mineral in a European lapidary, is the ancient Greek word “κιννάβαρι” (kinnàbari), mentioned by Theophrastus (c. 371 – c. 287 BC) in his treatise “Περὶ λίθων” (On Stones).

Polymorph of: Hypercinnabar, Metacinnabar