What is Cinnabar and how is it used as a gemstone?

Cinnabar is a mercury sulfide mineral (HgS) known for its intense red to reddish-orange color. While it's primarily valued as an ore of mercury, select pieces are carved or polished for ornamental gemstone use, especially in cabochon or carved forms.

Is Cinnabar safe to wear as a gemstone?

Cinnabar contains mercury, so it should not be worn on skin for extended periods or in jewelry that may be abraded or exposed to heat. It is best suited for display pieces or occasional-wear jewelry in sealed or protected settings.

Where does gem-quality Cinnabar come from?

The finest Cinnabar specimens for ornamental use are found in China, Spain, and parts of the USA, including California and Nevada. Chinese deposits are particularly known for producing carvable material.

What color is natural Cinnabar?

Natural Cinnabar is bright scarlet to deep crimson red. Its bold color is one of its defining and most desirable features, though it may darken or tarnish if exposed to air and light over time.

What shapes and cuts are available for Cinnabar gemstones?

Due to its softness and fragility (Mohs 2–2.5), Cinnabar is usually cut into cabochons or carved into intricate figures. Faceting is extremely rare and impractical for this mineral.

How rare are Cinnabar gemstones?

Gem-quality Cinnabar is rare because it is soft, toxic in raw form, and not commonly used in fine jewelry. However, it is prized by collectors and those interested in metaphysical or historical gems.

How should Cinnabar gemstones be handled or stored?

Handle with care, store in sealed containers, and avoid contact with acids, heat, or prolonged skin exposure. Always wash hands after handling raw or uncoated pieces.

Cinnabar Gemstones - Natural, Certified Loose Gems

Cinnabar Weight

Cinnabar Size

Cinnabar Clarity

Cinnabar Price

Size Explained

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Bi-color

Black

Blue

Brown

Golden

Gray

Green

Multicolor Cinnabar

Orange

Pink

Purple

Red

Turquoise

Violet

White

Yellow

Single

Pairs

Lots

Faceted

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9.64ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

16 x 16 mm (calibrated)

$ 11.28

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12.38ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

21.1 x 15 mm

$ 14.49

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16.30ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20 x 15 mm (calibrated)

$ 19.07

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7.71ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

19.6 x 13.6 mm

$ 9.02

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8.46ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Round, Opaque

16 mm (calibrated)

$ 9.90

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6.51ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

16.7 x 11.9 mm

$ 7.62

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26.41ctw Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

22.5 x 16.2 mm

$ 30.91

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23.69ctw Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

17 x 17 mm (calibrated)

$ 27.72

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14.82ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

21.1 x 15.7 mm

$ 17.35

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7.82ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

17.2 x 11.9 mm

$ 9.15

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9.25ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Round, Opaque

16 mm (calibrated)

$ 10.82

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28.05ctw Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

20 x 20 mm (calibrated)

$ 32.83

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6.54ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

18 x 13 mm (calibrated)

$ 7.65

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11.66ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Round, Opaque

19 mm (calibrated)

$ 13.65

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7.18ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

14 x 12 mm (calibrated)

$ 8.40

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11.75ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

17 x 17 mm (calibrated)

$ 13.75

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16.75ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

26.9 x 19.1 mm

$ 19.60

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18.48ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Pear Shape, Opaque

30 x 18.6 mm

$ 21.63

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17.54ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

25 x 18 mm (calibrated)

$ 20.53

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9.01ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20.2 x 14 mm

$ 10.54

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17.31ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Pear Shape, Opaque

28.2 x 18.1 mm

$ 20.26

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8.24ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

17.9 x 12.3 mm

$ 9.64

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18.85ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Baguette, Opaque

22.6 x 16.9 mm

$ 22.06

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14.52ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20.9 x 16.1 mm

$ 16.99

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