Question

Name the main ore of mercury.How is mercury obtained from its ore?

Answer 1

mercury sulphide -HgS.

by doing its roasting and then getting its reduction process with oxygen.

Answer 2

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

The following steps are involved in its extraction:

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)