Elohopeasulfidit

Elohopeasulfidit, more commonly known as mercury sulfides, are a group of chemical compounds with the general formula HgS. They exist in several forms, most notably as cinnabar (red mercury(II) sulfide) and metacinnabar (black mercury(II) sulfide). Cinnabar is the primary ore from which mercury is extracted.

Mercury(II) sulfide is a highly insoluble salt. It is stable under normal conditions but can decompose upon heating in the presence of air to form mercury vapor and sulfur dioxide. It is also known for its vibrant red color when in the cinnabar form, which has been used as a pigment (vermilion) for centuries. Metacinnabar, a black polymorph, has a similar chemical structure but a different crystal lattice.

Historically, cinnabar was mined in significant quantities, particularly in Spain and China, to obtain mercury for various applications, including medicine, gilding, and the production of thermometers and electrical switches. Due to mercury's toxicity, the use of mercury and its compounds has been significantly restricted in many parts of the world. Elohopeasulfidit are considered toxic and require careful handling.