![Cinereous Cinereous](/images/cinereous/thumbnail.webp)
Cinnabar
What color is Cinnabar?
It is also known as vermilion, a pigment that was used in ancient times for painting and cosmetics.
Cinnabar is composed of mercury (II) sulfide (HgS), and is the most common source of elemental mercury.
However, cinnabar is also toxic, as mercury can cause various health problems if inhaled or ingested.
Cinnabar can occur in different forms, such as crystals, granules, or masses.
It has a hexagonal crystalline structure that belongs to the trigonal crystal system.
It exhibits birefringence, which means that it splits light into two rays with different refractive indices.
Cinnabar has a very high refractive index of about 3.2, which is second only to diamond among minerals.
It also has a hardness of 2.0 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, and a specific gravity of about 8.1.
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Cinnabar is named after the Greek word kinnabari, which may have referred to several red substances.
It was also called minium in Latin, meaning red cinnamon.Cinnabar has been used for its color since ancient times, especially in China, where it was carved into jewelry and seals.
It was also used by the Olmec and Maya civilizations in Mesoamerica, and by the Romans and Greeks in Europe.Cinnabar is still mined today, mainly in China, Spain, and the United States.
However, its use as a pigment has declined due to its toxicity and environmental impact.
Instead, synthetic alternatives, such as cadmium red and quinacridone, are preferred.
Example of the palette with the Cinnabar color
![Palette with colors: Smoky black, Cinnabar and Mountain Meadow Picture with primary colors of Smoky black, Cinnabar, Mountain Meadow, Wenge and Moss green](/images/cinnabar/woman-with-a-blue-jacket.webp)
See these colors in NCS, PANTONE, RAL palettes...
What are the examples of Cinnabar color in everyday life?
Example of the palette with the Cinnabar color
![Palette with colors: Cinnabar, Burgundy and Bazaar Picture with primary colors of Cinnabar, Burgundy, Bazaar, Desert sand and Coral pink](/images/cinnabar/cinnabar-color-man-with-a-flower.webp)
See these colors in NCS, PANTONE, RAL palettes...
What looks best in Cinnabar?
It has been used as a pigment and a jewelry material for thousands of years in many cultures.
Cinnabar has a warm, spicy, and earthy tone that can create a striking contrast with cooler colors or a harmonious blend with warmer ones.
Here are some suggestions on what looks best in cinnabar:
If you want to create a bold and dramatic look, you can pair cinnabar with black, white, or dark gray.
This will make the cinnabar stand out and draw attention to your outfit or accessory.
For example, you can wear a cinnabar dress with black shoes and a black clutch, or a cinnabar scarf with a white shirt and dark jeans.If you want to create a soft and romantic look, you can pair cinnabar with pastel colors, such as pink, peach, lavender, or mint.
This will create a sweet and feminine vibe that is perfect for spring or summer.
For example, you can wear a cinnabar blouse with a pink skirt and a peach cardigan, or a cinnabar necklace with a lavender dress and a mint jacket.If you want to create a warm and cozy look, you can pair cinnabar with earthy colors, such as brown, beige, tan, or olive.
This will create a rustic and natural feel that is suitable for fall or winter.
For example, you can wear a cinnabar sweater with brown pants and boots, or a cinnabar hat with a beige coat and a tan scarf.