4.33 ct. Cinnabar
Color: Very Dark Red
Clarity: Slightly Included
Origin: China
Cut: Rectangle
Treatments: None
Measurements: 7.6 x 7.1 mm
A very infrequently encountered gem species, we only rarely can offer a faceted Cinnabar. An ore of Mercury, it is not often transparent and is very difficult (and somewhat dangerous!) to facet. The Moh's hardness of Cinnabar is only 2 - 2 1/2. The color is a very deep and rich red, very similar to Cuprite. Additionally, the species has one of the highest known refractive indexes of any mineral, an astonishing 3.02. This magnificent stone is one of the very finest we have ever offered - very well done cutting and superb size. Moreover, the dazzling red bodycolor is distinct and lovely - a true museum gem that has been in a collection for many years.