Native Mercury and Cinnabar from Almadén, Spain – 1 Half Size Flat as Unique
This half size flat contains a varied selection of specimens with native mercury and cinnabar from Almadén in Spain. The specimens predominantly show vivid red to dark red cinnabar mineralization on dark matrix, partly accompanied by metallic areas and visible droplets of native mercury. The different sizes and formations of the specimens provide a diverse impression of material from this classic mercury deposit. The complete half size flat shown is offered as one unique lot.
Geology & Origin
Almadén in the Spanish province of Ciudad Real is one of the world's most important historic mercury deposits and is particularly known for cinnabar, the principal ore of mercury. The deposit was extensively mined for mercury over many centuries. Cinnabar (HgS) occurs there in various mineralizations and may be accompanied by native mercury. Specimens from Almadén are classic examples from one of the best-known mercury deposits in the world.
Safety Information
This material contains mercury compounds and, in some specimens, native mercury. Avoid direct skin contact; do not cut, grind or heat the material, and do not inhale any dust. Keep out of reach of children and use exclusively for collection and display purposes.
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embedded or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |