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

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Black

Blue

Brown

Golden

Gray

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Multicolor Cinnabar

Orange

Pink

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Red

Turquoise

Violet

White

Yellow

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27.85ctw Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

18 x 18 mm (calibrated)

$ 32.59

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6.51ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

16.7 x 11.9 mm

$ 7.62

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6.94ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Pear Shape, Opaque

17.3 x 12.2 mm

$ 8.13

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11.66ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Round, Opaque

19 mm (calibrated)

$ 13.65

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28.11ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

25.9 x 25.2 mm

$ 32.90

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10.08ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20 x 15 mm (calibrated)

$ 11.79

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9.64ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

16 x 16 mm (calibrated)

$ 11.28

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13.55ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

18 x 18 mm (calibrated)

$ 15.86

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21.92ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Pear Shape, Opaque

30 x 22 mm (calibrated)

$ 25.66

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16.30ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20 x 15 mm (calibrated)

$ 19.07

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9.01ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20.2 x 14 mm

$ 10.54

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7.71ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

19.6 x 13.6 mm

$ 9.02

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7.82ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

17.2 x 11.9 mm

$ 9.15

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5.80ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

17.1 x 12.5 mm

$ 6.79

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9.98ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Pear Shape, Opaque

20 x 15 mm (calibrated)

$ 11.68

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16.48ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

27.3 x 19 mm

$ 19.29

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7.65ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

18.3 x 13.6 mm

$ 8.96

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8.45ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

20 x 14.5 mm

$ 9.89

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12.03ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20 x 15 mm (calibrated)

$ 14.08

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10.20ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Pear Shape, Opaque

22.4 x 15.8 mm

$ 11.94

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10.75ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Cushion, Opaque

17 x 17 mm (calibrated)

$ 12.58

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14.52ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

20.9 x 16.1 mm

$ 16.99

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13.96ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Pear Shape, Opaque

25 x 18 mm (calibrated)

$ 16.33

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17.54ct Multicolor Cinnabar, Oval, Opaque

25 x 18 mm (calibrated)

$ 20.53

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