Question

Describe the extraction of Mercury metal from its ore Cinnabar (HgS).

Answer 1

Hi there,

Mercury is a metal which is used in several things such as in thermometers and other measuring tools.

The process of extraction of Mercury metal from its ore Cinnabar (HgS).

Most of the world's mercury is obtained from its main ore, cinnabar or vermillion with the chemical structure mercury sulphide (HgS). Cinnabar is usually found in a massive or granular form but can also occur as small crystals.

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Answer 2

Mercury is a metal that can be extracted from its ore cinnabar in a combined form of HgS. These are the steps included in the extraction of mercury:

Roasting: The first step is the oxidation of mercury in the presence of oxygen inside the ore.  

Extraction: Since, it has a low boiling point; it can easily be extracted via vacuum distillation. The extracted mercury may contain impurities like copper, bismuth, lead, zinc etc.  which can later be extracted as per the requirement.