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How is mercury extracted from cinnabar?

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Periodic table — zinc group element Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

The extraction of mercury from cinnabar (mercuric sulfide, HgS) primarily relies on the volatility of the metal and the ease with which the ore can be decomposed.1

The most common industrial method is roasting the ore in air. During this process, the cinnabar is decomposed, releasing mercury vapor, which is then collected through condensation. Alternatively, the ore can be decomposed using lime.1

Due to the high toxicity of mercury and the necessity for strict pollution control, newer, safer extraction methods are being developed. These techniques typically involve dissolving cinnabar in solutions of sodium hypochlorite or sulfide. Once dissolved, the mercury can be recovered from the solution through:
* Precipitation using zinc or aluminum.1
* Electrolysis.1

These chemical methods offer alternatives to traditional thermal processing, helping to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with mercury production.1