Cinnabar
Nature may have made this rock red for a reason: Cinnabar can mess you up. Formed in water that has been heated by volcanic activity, this sulfide mineral is our primary source of the toxic metal mercury. Whether inhaled as a vapor or simply touched, too much exposure can lead to madness, permanent neurological damage, and possibly even death. People in the past didn’t know that and used to use it to make striking jewelry or to paint with, never realizing the harm they were causing. Thankfully, its bright red color makes it easy to spot, and therefore avoid, if you’re ever out rockhunting in the field. Perhaps you can think of cinnabar’s message in much the same way. Consider this a bold red light telling you to stop immediately and turn back, because interacting with this little package of poison is not a safe choice for anyone.
The Bottom Line
STOP!
“Turn back and find a better way.”
One Or More Of These Messages Are For You
- This rock is your red light telling you to stop.
- Something you’re doing, or perhaps only thinking of doing, has the potential to do you harm.
- You’re in hot water and need to cool things down.
- Stop doing that thing you know is bad for you.
- If your instincts are telling you to stop or avoid something or someone, please listen.
- Someone around you is more dangerous than you realize.
- Please do whatever is necessary to keep yourself safe.
