Which mineral is the principal ore of mercury?

The principal ore of mercury is cinnabar, which is a red sulfide mineral with the chemical formula HgS.12

While mercury can occasionally be found in its native state, it is most commonly extracted from cinnabar deposits, which are often located near volcanic rocks or hot springs. Due to the metal's toxicity and the environmental risks associated with its extraction, modern processing methods prioritize safety and pollution control, though the ore is traditionally refined by roasting it in air to release mercury vapor, which is then condensed into the liquid metal.123