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Cinnabar (Dānshā) tastes sweet, is slightly cold in nature, and is non-toxic. It primarily treats various diseases of the five zang organs and the body, nourishes the spirit (Shén), calms the soul (Hún), supplements primordial qi (Yuánqì), brightens the eyes, unblocks the blood vessels, relieves vexation and fullness, eliminates thirst (Xiāokě), enhances mental vitality, and promotes a lustrous complexion. It expels evil spirits and malevolent entities, removes sudden malignant conditions (Zhòng'è), abdominal pain, toxic vapors, scabies, and various sores. Long-term consumption enables one to attain spiritual clarity and anti-aging effects, making the body light as if becoming an immortal. Cinnabar can be transformed into mercury; when ground into powder, it is called "Zhenzhu" (True Vermilion). Its luster resembles that of mica (Yúnmǔ), and those from which pure particles can be separated are considered superior. It grows in the valleys of Fuling, and can be harvested at any time.

It is adverse to magnetite (Císhí) and fears saline water. According to textual research: what transforms into mercury and is named Zhenzhu is indeed the cinnabar used today. Empirical physicians erroneously mix realgar (Xiónghuáng) from Qiuchi, Wudu, with orpiment (Cíhuáng) for use together. Fuling corresponds to Fuzhou, located south of Ba Commandery; mining has ceased there. Currently, it is sourced from the barbarian regions of Wuling and Sichuan, areas historically belonging to Ba, hence it is also called "Basha". The *Immortal Classics* (*Xiānjīng*) also utilize "Yuesha," produced in Linzhang, Guangzhou. Both sources are good, provided they are bright, clear, and translucent. Those resembling flakes of mica are called "Yunmu Sha"; those resembling the shape of Chupu dice or fluorite (Zǐshǐyīng) are called "Machi Sha," which are also good. Those resembling beans or large, smooth round stones are called "Dou Sha." Finely powdered ones are called "Mo Sha." The latter two types are coarse and unsuitable for medicinal use, serving only for painting. Mining involves digging pits several zhang deep. Although originating from the same well, those from fire wells are superior. Methods of refining and ingesting are detailed in the *Immortal Prescriptions* (*Xiānfāng*), regarded as the most precious treasure for longevity.

[Research Note] Cinnabar is roughly divided into two types: earth cinnabar (Tusha) and stone cinnabar (Shisha). Earth cinnabar includes block cinnabar and powder cinnabar; it is heavy in texture and yellow-black in color, unsuitable for painting, though good for treating sores and scabies. However, it is not suitable for internal medicines affecting the heart and abdomen, but can be calcined to yield a large amount of mercury. Stone cinnabar has over ten varieties. The highest grade is "Guangming Sha" (Bright Cinnabar), said to grow individually within stone niches. Large pieces are like chicken eggs, small ones like jujubes or chestnuts. Shapes resemble lotus flowers or emerge from water; block forms range from thumb-sized to almond-sized. Bright and impurity-free, it is named "Maya Sha" (Horse Tooth Cinnabar), also known as "Wuchong Sha." It is excellent for both medicinal and painting purposes, though rare in common circulation. Other varieties include Mocu Sha, Xinjing Sha, Biejing Sha, Shuijing Sha, Huojing Sha, Furong Sha, Shimò Sha, Shidui Sha, and Domo Sha, each with distinct shapes. There is also Yuesha, large as a fist or small as a chicken/duck egg. Although large, it often contains mixed earth and stone, inferior to fine, clear, and pure specimens. The canonical text stating that powder is named Zhenzhu is erroneous. How can a single substance have different names based solely on whether it is whole or powdered?