Crystal
Cinnabar
Hingula
Trigonal, Mohs 2.5
Essence
Red mercury sulphide — historic vermilion pigment (toxic). It works through the Root chakra (Muladhara), the seat of physical safety, material groundedness, and the body's relationship with earth. Under Mars (Mangal)'s influence, alchemical transformation; merchant's stone. Reach for it when navigating transformation, vitality.
Anchors
Sourcing
Spanish (Almadén) historic; Chinese, US deposits; bright red mercury sulphide; highly toxic.
Classical lineage
Classical Vedic literature does not specifically reference this stone. Modern usage is grounded in mineralogical observation and energetic-tradition practice.
Ritual of care
Gentle cleansing removes accumulated energy between uses
Tuesday is Mangal's day — Martian courage is most accessible
Pairs with