Metacinnabar
A variety of Minerals
What is Metacinnabar?
Metacinnabar is the cubic form of mercury sulfide (HgS). It is the low temperature form and trimorphous with cinnabar (trigonal structure) and the high temperature hypercinnabar (hexagonal structure). It occurs with cinnabar in mercury deposits and is associated with native mercury, wurtzite, stibnite, marcasite, realgar, calcite, barite, chalcedony and hydrocarbons. It was first described in 1870 for an occurrence in the Redington mine, Knoxville, Napa County, California.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Metacinnabar before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Metacinnabar Localities Map
See where Metacinnabar is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- HgS
- Elements
- Hg, S
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Metacinnabar FAQs
How do I identify Metacinnabar?
Metacinnabar can be identified by its hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
How hard is Metacinnabar?
Metacinnabar has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
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