The ore from which mercury is extracted is cinnabar, which is mercury sulfide (HgS). Cinnabar is the principal ore and is mined and then roasted or heated in air to convert HgS to mercury oxide (HgO), which is subsequently reduced to elemental mercury. Key points:

• Primary ore: cinnabar (HgS).

• Common extraction steps: roasting HgS to form HgO, then reducing HgO to liquid mercury; additional processes may include purification and by-products handling.

• Major producing regions historically include Almadén (Spain), Idrija (Slovenia), Monte Amiata (Italy), and others; current global production is concentrated in a few countries. The ore typically contains less than 1% mercury, requiring concentrating steps before roasting or furnacing.