$30.00
A 1.25-inch Cinnabrite slice from Peru, hand-polished to reveal striking pink and white contrast. Ideal for jewelry setting, wire wrapping, or artisan lapidary work.
In stock
Each slice is hand-cut and polished from natural Cinnabrite, a distinctive pink and white gemstone composed of thulite (pink zoisite) and white scapolite or quartz, with subtle flecks of red cinnabar that add depth and luster. This 1.25-inch polished piece features a smooth surface, rich coloration, and even thickness — perfect for wire wrapping, bezel setting, pendant creation, or gemstone inlay work.
The polish reveals vibrant, raspberry-pink veining within a snowy quartz matrix, making it both durable and visually striking for contemporary jewelry design.
Cinnabrite is not a single mineral but a rare metamorphic gemstone composite, primarily found in Peru and occasionally in Madagascar. It forms when mineral-rich fluids interact with pre-existing metamorphic rocks, creating a blend of thulite (manganese-bearing zoisite), quartz, and trace cinnabar (mercury sulfide).
Its pink color originates from manganese within the thulite component, while cinnabar contributes deeper red highlights in rare specimens. Because this combination requires very specific temperature and pressure conditions, gem-quality cinnabrite is uncommon, and workable material suitable for lapidary slicing is increasingly limited.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Class | Silicate Composite (Zoisite–Quartz with Trace Sulfides) |
| Primary Components | Thulite (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)), Quartz (SiO₂), minor Cinnabar (HgS) |
| Crystal System | Mixed – Orthorhombic (Zoisite), Trigonal (Quartz) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 – 7 |
| Locality / Formation Type | Peru – Metamorphic Quartzite Deposit |
Cinnabrite was first documented in the late 20th century, gaining attention among lapidaries and collectors for its unique mix of pink tones and durability. Although it shares its name with cinnabar (a mercury sulfide mineral historically used in pigments), Cinnabrite itself is safe for handling and jewelry use, as its cinnabar content is trace and fully stabilized within a quartz-thulite matrix.
In Peruvian artisan tradition, this stone is appreciated for its vivid yet balanced coloration, reminiscent of the Andean sunrise palette — a blend of warmth and stability that reflects harmony between strength and beauty.
High-quality Cinnabrite rough suitable for slicing is increasingly scarce, as most deposits yield uneven or porous material. Stones with consistent patterning, hardness, and color contrast — such as those from Peru — are particularly valued for fine jewelry.
This 1-inch polished slice offers:
A flat, even cut suitable for wire wrapping or bezel work.
Distinct pink-to-white veining ideal for minimalist or bohemian jewelry designs.
A dense structure that resists fracturing during fabrication or wrapping.
Its visual strength and rarity make it equally desirable for jewelry artists and collectors of rare lapidary materials.
Cinnabrite combines the vitality of pink with the stability of white quartz, symbolizing balanced energy and creative renewal. In artistic interpretation, it represents courage through compassion — energy channeled through focus and care. When used in jewelry, it serves as a vivid reminder of the balance between passion and peace.
Each 1-inch slice features natural pink and cream marbling unique to its formation. The fine polish brings out a glassy luster across its surface, with small speckles or streaks revealing depth and authenticity. Suitable for both collectors and jewelry makers, it offers a rare blend of geological interest and artistic adaptability.
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid acids or ultrasonic cleaners, which may damage the surface polish. While Cinnabrite is generally stable, store separately to prevent scratches from harder minerals. Handle with care during wrapping or setting to preserve edges and finish.
| Weight | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.25 × .25 × 1.25 in |
