Cinnabar identification: authenticity identification and value evaluation.
Cinnabar, with its unique pharmacological effects and aesthetic value, occupies an important position in traditional Chinese culture. However, due to the rarity and wide application of cinnabar, a large number of counterfeit and shoddy products have appeared on the market. How to identify the authenticity of cinnabar has become the focus of attention of consumers and collectors. This article will delve into the identification skills of cinnabar from four aspects: physical characteristics, chemical composition, identification methods and market value evaluation.
1. Physical properties of cinnabar.
Cinnabar, also known as dansha, is a natural cinnabar ore. Its main component is mercury sulfide (HGS) and contains trace amounts of impurities. True cinnabar is usually dark red or bright red with a diamond luster and a mirror luster in section. In sunlight, cinnabar is often more vivid in color than ordinary red. In addition, real cinnabar is hard and unbrittle, and can scratch red scratches.
Second, the chemical composition of cinnabar.
The main component of cinnabar is mercury sulfide, but it also contains trace amounts of other elements such as iron, aluminum, magnesium, etc. The presence of these elements allows cinnabar to exhibit a special absorption spectrum under spectral analysis. Through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy or laser Raman spectroscopy, the chemical composition of cinnabar can be accurately analyzed, and then its authenticity can be judged.
3. Identification method of cinnabar.
Appearance identification: The surface of real cinnabar is delicate, with metallic luster, and the color is bright red. Whereas, the surface of the forged cinnabar is rough, the luster is dull, and the color is black or yellowish.
Magnetic identification: Real cinnabar is not magnetic, while fake cinnabar often contains magnetic minerals and is magnetic.
Weight identification: real cinnabar is denser and feels heavy. The counterfeit cinnabar is less dense and feels light.
Chemical identification: The chemical composition in cinnabar can be detected through chemical tests. The main ingredient of real cinnabar is mercury sulfide, while counterfeit cinnabar often contains other metallic elements.
Infrared spectroscopy identification: The molecular structure of cinnabar can be detected by infrared spectrometer. There is a difference in infrared spectrum between real cinnabar and fake cinnabar.
Fourth, the market value of cinnabar assessment.
The quality and rarity of cinnabar determines its market value. High-quality, impurity-free cinnabar** is expensive, while low-quality, impurity-containing cinnabar** is relatively low. When buying cinnabar, consumers should pay attention to its quality and purity. In addition, the supply and demand in the market will also affect the ** of cinnabar. As the focus on natural medicinal herbs increases, so does the demand for high-quality cinnabar, thereby driving its market value upward.
Summary: To identify the authenticity and value of cinnabar, it is necessary to comprehensively consider its physical properties, chemical composition, identification methods and market value evaluation. Consumers should pay attention to the quality and purity of cinnabar when buying it, choose a reputable merchant to buy, and conduct professional appraisal as much as possible to avoid buying counterfeit and shoddy products. By gaining an in-depth understanding of cinnabar's identification techniques and market value assessment methods, consumers can better protect their rights and appreciate the unique charm of this traditional Chinese gemstone. Search Topic Full Time Challenge December