Rich in mercury: Provides a natural source for mercury-based rituals and practices
Hexagonal crystal system: Characterized by rhombohedral structure for unique appearance
Birefringent properties: Exhibits double refraction for visual and metaphysical interest
Associated with volcanic activity: Formed near recent volcanic events and alkaline hot springs
Resemble quartz in symmetry: shares similar crystal habits for easy identification
From Wikipedia: As the most common source of mercury in nature, Cinnabar generally occurs as a vein-filling mineral associated with recent volcanic activity and alkaline hot springs. The mineral resembles quartz in symmetry and in its exhibiting birefringence; cinnabar has a mean refractive index of ~3.2, a hardness between 2 and 2.5, and
