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Cinnabar (twinned) on Quartz
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A superlative Cinnabar specimen from old finds considered the best of species for crystal shape and quality, Tongren in China (now long closed to collecting). The aesthetic competition-level miniature features a cluster of large Cinnabar crystals on a nest of small, glistening and glassy Quartz crystals. Casual inspection seems like there is one large crystal, however, a more detailed evaluation shows it to be composed of an intimate intergrowth of two twinned crystals that together comprise a large duo that is 3.3 x 1.8 cm in dimension. The Cinnabar has a super lustrous, silvery crimson-red color to it (indicating that it was kept out of sunlight for most of its history, as UV radiation in sunlight will dull a cinnabar if it had such luster). When backlit, the Cinnabar crystals glow with a blood-red crimson color! The crystals have sharp edges, perfect terminations and a dark mirror-like luster at the top percentile of what you can expect in this species. The contrast with the myriad of 2 to 4 mm, water-clear, scintillating Quartz crystals is sublime. It is a beautifully composed specimen! This is a very old style, and a piece that should be from the late 1990s or early 2000s. Although once common, these are now gone into collections; and specimens like this are rarely available for sale. Ex. Paul Stahl collection - 28766.
Product details
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.3 x 3.7 x 1.9 cm
Listed on06/26/2026
LocalityChina, Guizhou, Tongren Mine
SKUSTAHL26-72
Current owner
A
The ArkenstoneFeatured
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Mineral guide
Learn about Quartz
a versatile mineral with clear, milky, and colored varieties; crystal forms, formation clues, and tips for identifying amethyst and citrine.Regional guide
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