Mercury, Cinnabar

Unknown Owner

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An extremely rich ore specimen liberally covered with silver droplets of native mercury (quicksilver) to 1 mm and streaks of red cinnabar. Mercury is the only recognized mineral that is found as a liquid at room temperature. Cinnabar alters to native mercury in the oxidized zone of deposits. Native mercury is also quite rare. Ex Ed Ruggiero Collection, who purchased this piece in June, 1975. The specimen has been sprayed with clear lacquer to stabliize the mercury. 7.2 x 5.4 x 2.2 cm