Properties of Cinnabar
Cinnabar is a bright red to reddish-brown mineral composed of mercury sulfide, with the chemical formula (HgS). It is the most common ore of mercury and is typically found in association with deposits of other minerals like quartz and dolomite.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of cinnabar properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | HgS |
| Molar Mass | 232.65 g/mol |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (hexagonal) |
| Mohs Hardness | 2 - 2.5 |
| Density | 8170 kg/m3 |
| Color | Intense red, brownish red, or gray |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent, translucent to opaque |
| Luster | Adamantine |
| Cleavage | {1010} perfect |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal, brittle, sectile |
| Streak | Scarlet, bright red |
Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.