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Cinnabar (mercury sulphide - HgS) is the single most toxic mineral to handle on earth. It is the worldâs main source of mercury and has been mined since Neolithic times. However, when oxidized, this element will produce methyl mercury and dimethyl mercury, two toxic compounds that cause irreparable harm to the nervous systems of children. It is deadly in small concentrations and can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, intestines, or skin.
In this video I answer that question. Cinnabar are the red crystals in the photo below. The proper mineral name for Cinnabar happens to be Mercury sulfide. Cinnabar has a Mohs hardness (thatâs a term we use to determine how hard it is) of 2 to 2.5. That means itâs relatively soft, meaning it can easily be scratched & can flake off.