Q22 of 30 Page 56

Name the main ore of mercury. How is mercury obtained from its ore? Give a balanced chemical equation.

Cinnabar (HgS) is the main ore of mercury.

To obtain mercury from its ore, first, it is heated in air. On heating, the ore of mercury, i.e., cinnabar is converted into mercuric oxide (HgO). The reaction is given as:


2HgS + O2→ 2HgO


Mercuric oxide is then further heated and reduced to mercury (Hg). The reaction is given as:


2HgO→ 2Hg + O2


Additional Information:


The mercury processing is


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