Question

Cinnabar is an ore of (a) \(\mathrm{Cu}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Zn}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Hg}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Pb}\)

Short answer

Cinnabar is an ore of mercury (Hg).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

We need to identify the chemical element for which cinnabar is an ore. The options given are the symbols for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb).

Defining Cinnabar

Cinnabar is known as a mineral that primarily consists of mercury sulfide (HgS). Its bright red color was historically used as a pigment.

Connecting Cinnabar to an Element

Since cinnabar is composed mainly of mercury sulfide, it is primarily an ore of mercury.

Select the Correct Option

Among the options provided, option (c) corresponds to mercury (Hg). Therefore, cinnabar is an ore of mercury.

Key concepts

Mercury

Mercury is a fascinating element known for being the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. It is represented by the symbol 'Hg', which comes from its Latin name 'hydrargyrum', meaning 'liquid silver.' Mercury has a variety of applications owing to its unique properties. It is used in thermometers, barometers, and other scientific instruments.

One of the key concerns regarding mercury is its toxicity. It can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, proper care is necessary when handling mercury-containing products. Mercury is also used in several industries, including dental amalgams and fluorescent lighting. However, due to environmental concerns, there has been a push towards finding mercury-free alternatives.

When studying elements like mercury, it's crucial to understand its role in its natural mineral form, like cinnabar.

Ore Identification

Identifying ores is a critical process in mining and geology. Ores are naturally occurring minerals that can be mined for valuable elements. For instance, cinnabar, primarily made of mercury sulfide, is mined for mercury. Identifying ores involves observing their properties, such as color, hardness, and luster.

Geologists use specific techniques to determine if a rock is an ore. These include:

• Visual inspection to identify unique characteristics.
• Chemical analysis to determine elemental composition.
• Density measurement, as ores often have distinct densities.

By knowing these methods, geologists can accurately pinpoint cinnabar as the mercury-bearing ore among others. Proper identification is the first step in efficient and sustainable mineral resource management.

Minerals in Chemistry

Minerals like cinnabar are fundamental building blocks in chemistry. They provide a direct link between the earth's geology and chemical studies. Cinnabar, with its bright red color, historically became notable not only for its chemical composition but also for its use as a pigment.

Chemistry of minerals involves understanding their composition and properties. For cinnabar, this is primarily composed of mercury sulfide (HgS), where mercury is bonded to sulfur. Such minerals are crucial in studying how elements naturally occur and react.

Minerals are not just valuable for their elemental content but also for their roles in various chemical processes. In chemistry, studying minerals provides vital insights into material properties and potential industrial applications. Grasping these concepts helps students appreciate the intricate connections between minerals like cinnabar and the broader field of chemistry.