Question

how is mercury obtained from its ore?​

Answer 1

Extraction of Mercury. 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 shown below.

Answer 2

Mercury is obtained from its sulphide ore called cinnabar, HgS which is actually mercury(ii) sulphide.

1. mercury ore is roasted

2HgS(s) + 3 o2 (g) -----> 2HgO (s ) + 2 SO2 (g)

2. when this mercury oxide is heated at about 300 degrees Celsius , it decomposes to form mercury metal.

2HgO (s) ------> 2Hg (l) + o2(g)