Cinnabar: the mysterious power and cultural heritage of the millennium spirit mine

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On 14/06/2025

1、 The material and characteristics of cinnabar

Cinnabar, with a chemical composition of mercury sulfide (HgS), is the most common mercury mineral in nature and has the following significant characteristics:

Physical properties

Color: Bright crimson to dark red, presenting a bright vermilion color after grinding into powder.
Hardness: Mohs hardness 2-2.5, soft texture, fragile.
Gloss: Diamond luster to metallic luster, with crystals appearing semi transparent or opaque.
Density: up to 8.1 g/cm ³, heavy to the touch.

Main production areas

China: Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan (with Guizhou Tongren cinnabar having the highest purity).
Worldwide, it is also distributed in Spain, Italy, the United States, and other places.

2、 The history and legends of cinnabar

Cinnabar has a history of over 6000 years of use in human civilization and is endowed with a sacred and mysterious color

Ancient Chinese Legends

Taoist sacred object: Taoism believes that cinnabar is the “essence of pure yang”, which can communicate with gods, ward off evil spirits, and is commonly used in painting talismans and alchemy. The “Baopuzi” records that “cinnabar is gold, and when worn, it becomes immortal.

Emperor symbol: the the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is paved with vermilion, symbolizing “immortality”; The emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties used cinnabar to review memorials, known as “cinnabar”.

Origin of Medicine: The “Shennong Bencao Jing” lists cinnabar as a top-grade product, stating that it “nourishes the spirit and soothes the soul”.

Cinnabar in Western culture

The ancient Romans used cinnabar as a pigment and cosmetic, but gradually abandoned it due to the toxicity of mercury.

European alchemists referred to cinnabar as the raw material for the ‘philosopher’s stone’, symbolizing the transformation of matter.

Folk Beliefs

During the Dragon Boat Festival, “Zhong Kui” is painted in vermilion to drive away five poisons.

A newborn’s forehead is dotted with cinnabar, symbolizing “enlightenment and warding off evil”.

3、Modern application and products of cinnabar

Traditional craftsmanship

Seal ink: a special cinnabar seal ink for calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, with a long-lasting color.
Lacquerware: Made by adding lacquer to large lacquer to create “vermilion lacquer”, used for palace utensils.
cultural and decorative items
Cinnabar bracelets: made by pressing cinnabar powder, symbolizing protection.
Carving ornaments: Feng Shui objects such as Pixiu and Bagua plaques.

Pharmaceutical field

Traditional Chinese medicine is used for calming the nerves (such as cinnabar tranquilizer pills), but the dosage must be strictly controlled.

4、 The significance of cinnabar in metaphysics and energetics

Feng Shui Function

Suppressing evil spirits in homes: cinnabar ore is placed on doors and windows to block negative energy.

Wangcai Zhensha: Placing cinnabar Pixiu in commercial places enhances financial luck.

Spiritual energies

Purifying Qi Field: It is believed to absorb negative emotions and stabilize the mind.

Enhance Yang Qi: Suitable for people with a cold constitution to wear, balancing yin and yang.

Chakras and Healing

Corresponding to the Root Chakra, it enhances the sense of security and vitality.

Talismans and rituals

Taoist talismans must be written in cinnabar, known as “red talismans in the form of cinnabar”.

The cultural symbol of cinnabar

Eternity and Power: Both imperial cinnabar and official seals are made of cinnabar.

Artistic value: Dunhuang murals and the beams and columns of the Forbidden City are all painted with cinnabar.

Conclusion

Cinnabar, with its fiery colors and unique energy, connects the threads of science, metaphysics, and civilization. From the Taoist’s cauldron to the literati’s seal, from the imperial authority to the people’s talisman, this’ red spirit stone ‘continues to write its legend.

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