History
Cinnabar is an ore and a crystal, a variant of quicksilver–what medieval alchemists called the element mercury.The name “cinnabar” is said to derive from an Eastern Indian phrase meaning “dragon’s blood.” The part to remember is that Eastern dragons were long considered helpful, beneficial creatures–not the fire-breathing destructive tyrants they are in the West. The stone’s bold red color (frequently natural, although sometimes dyed) supports the “dragon’s blood” description! Other sources say the name comes from ancient Greek or Persian.
During ancient times, cinnabar was mined to be turned into mercury. Medieval alchemists (trying to turn lead into gold), would use the changeable “quicksilver” in their efforts (often resulting in mercury poisoning and madness). Renaissance painters such as Titian would grind the non-gem form into powder for a color called vermilion or “China red.” The red dust was used in Central America by the Olmec and Mayan peoples in their burials, dusted over the dead. In medieval China, cinnabar was added to lacquerware as a colorant.
Metaphysical Properties
Cinnabar is considered a powerful stone and, due to being a mercury variant, that quality is both physical and metaphysical. Unsealed natural cinnabar needs to be worn and used carefully–do NOT ingest cinnabar in any way! Do not soak it in water–avoid wearing the stone against the skin in humid or perspiring conditions. Wash your hands and skin if they do come into contact with a natural, unsealed stone.
All of those warnings aside, cinnabar is thought to be a stone of manifestation: it brings things into being. (It is especially popular among those seeking wealth, assertiveness and romance.) For wealth generation, it is recommended to keep cinnabar close to the register or check-out–wherever the business takes in money. Sales people are encouraged to wear cinnabar, as it lifts their self-assurance and persuasive power. Cinnabar is said to aid those who seek love as well, making them manifest their best and most attractive selves–and breaking through inhibitions and self-doubts.
Although not a birthstone, cinnabar is affiliated with the zodiac sign Leo. It is often associated with the base and sacral chakras.
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