Concept Explanation: Identifying the Metal in Cinnabar Ore

Cinnabar is a naturally occurring mineral that serves as an important ore for a specific metal. Ores are rocks or minerals from which valuable metals can be extracted economically.

Step-by-Step Identification:

Step 1: Recall the Chemical Composition
The chemical formula for cinnabar is $\mathrm{HgS}$. This means it is a compound made up of Mercury (Hg) and Sulfur (S).

Step 2: Match the Metal to the Options
Let's look at the given options and their corresponding metals:

• Pb: Lead
• Zn: Zinc
• Cu: Copper
• Hg: Mercury

The symbol "Hg" in the formula $\mathrm{HgS}$ directly corresponds to the element Mercury.

Step 3: Final Answer
Therefore, cinnabar is the principal ore of Mercury (Hg).

Related Topics & Formulae

Ores and Metallurgy: An ore is a mineral from which a metal can be extracted profitably. The process of extracting a metal from its ore involves several steps like concentration, roasting, and reduction.

Common Ores and their Metals:

• Bauxite: Ore of Aluminum (Al)
• Hematite: Ore of Iron (Fe)
• Galena: Ore of Lead (Pb) - $\mathrm{PbS}$
• Zinc Blende: Ore of Zinc (Zn) - $\mathrm{ZnS}$
• Malachite: Ore of Copper (Cu) - $\mathrm{Cu}{\mathrm{CO}}_3·\mathrm{Cu}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}^2$

Extraction Reaction for Mercury from Cinnabar:
The metal is extracted by roasting the ore in air. The chemical reaction is: $\mathrm{HgS}+O_2\stackrel{\text{Heat}}{\to }\mathrm{Hg}+S{O}_2$