Question

what is the main ore of mercury? How is mercury obtained from this ore?

Answer 1

Mercury can be obtained from its ore by using process roasting (it is the process in which metal ore is heated just below their melting points in the presence of oxygen) by this process we obtain metal but it is not fully pure(impure metal) for this we refine it

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)