Why does an mercury ore exist as HgS?

Question

Cinnabar($\ce{HgS}$) is one of the most common ores of mercury.

Why does it not exist at $\ce{HgO}$ or some other such compound?

Is there any reason for why it is so prevalent?

Does it react less with other compounds, or maybe due to some solid structure of HgS having some characteristic property giving it more stability?

I'm seeking an explanation without the mention of free energy, because it doesn't properly explain the phenomenon for me. I understand that cinnabar is abundant in the crust, and my question is why is $\ce{HgS}$ so common?

Because most of the mercury in the world is found in cinnabar. — Nilay Ghosh, Jul 24 '20 at 18:46
I think my question does not convey my query, I'll edit it... — sfsg, Jul 24 '20 at 18:48
Because mercury has quite an affinity towards sulfur So, most of the mercury exist in its sulfide form. — Nilay Ghosh, Jul 24 '20 at 18:58
This is kinda getting outside of scope of the site. For example HgSe could be even more "preferable", but there's very little Se in the world. Why? Probable because nucleosynthesis stuff, which I doubt s particularly on topic here. — Mithoron, Jul 24 '20 at 19:02
One may also state that mercury sulfide is probably the most insoluble compound of all. Its solubility product is $\ce{10^{-52}}$. This corresponds to much less than $1$ atom per liter in solution. — Maurice, Jul 24 '20 at 19:27
@Maurice mercury sulfide is not the most insoluble compound ;-) — Nilay Ghosh, Jul 25 '20 at 03:55

score 6 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 24 '20 at 19:07

Why $\ce{HgS}$ and not $\ce{HgO}$?

Because of HSAB. F'x has already answered a previous question of why mercury has propensity towards thiols(or in general sulfur). Quoting the relevant information:

In Pearson's HSAB theory (hard and soft acids and bases), the reason the $\ce{S-Hg}$ bond is be stronger than the $\ce{O-Hg}$ can be explained because $\ce{S^2-}$ is a soft basis and $\ce{Hg(II)}$ is a soft acid, making a good fit while $\ce{O^2-}$ is harder.

If this answer helps, please make sure to upvote F'xs answer.

score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 25 '20 at 00:58

I am afraid that no one knows why! The superficial rationalizations such as HSAB and ionic size etc are good for decorating general chemistry textbooks.

As scientists, we should accept the fact that all questions which a human mind can generate do not have answers. Unfortunately, as science students, we are trained that every question must have an answer at the back of the book.

There is a whole field of geology, called ore genesis which tries to think of the origin of minerals and ores Ore Genesis on Wikipedia. It is a remarkable wonder and miracle of Nature, as how it deposits ore in certain chemical forms.

More specifically, you would search the geochemistry literature, you would see how complex is the whole concept e.g. if you go through Quicksilver Deposits of Chile Quicksilver deposits you can get a feel.

Mr. Matt black, illuminate us with your knowledge and confidence please. Where is your answer if you know the reason? — AChem, Jul 25 '20 at 14:16

Why does an mercury ore exist as HgS?

2 Answers2