Solved UPSC CDS/OTA Question
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Q · Mineralsmedium · 45s
Cinnabar is the chief ore of which metal?
TopicMinerals
Question Typemultiple choice
Difficultymedium
Marking+1 / −0.33
Test Duration30 min
Step-by-Step Solution
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Cinnabar is the principal mercury ore, composed of mercury sulfide (HgS). It appears as bright red crystals and has been historically significant for mercury extraction. However, due to mercury's toxicity, cinnabar mining and mercury use have been greatly reduced. Mercury extracted from cinnabar was historically used in thermometers, dental amalgams, and gold extraction, though most applications have been replaced by safer alternatives.
Final Answer: Option B - Mercury