Mineralogy — Sulphide Group Identification Which of the following minerals belong to the sulphide group of ores/minerals?

Introduction / Context:
Ore minerals are often classified by anion groups: oxides, sulphides, carbonates, etc. Recognizing common sulphides is essential for basic economic geology and metallurgy since many metals are extracted from their sulphide ores by roasting, smelting, and subsequent refining.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Cinnabar has the formula HgS (mercury sulphide).
• Pyrite is FeS2 (iron disulphide), nicknamed “fool’s gold.”
• Galena is PbS (lead sulphide), the principal ore of lead.

Concept / Approach:

Each listed mineral contains sulphur as the dominant anion in the crystal chemistry, placing them squarely in the sulphide class. Therefore, if all three are sulphides, the correct selection is the inclusive choice “All of the above.” This is a straightforward classification recall item.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Check formulae: HgS, FeS2, PbS → all sulphides.Since every option given is a sulphide, choose the inclusive answer.

Verification / Alternative check:

Introductory mineralogy tables list these as textbook sulphides and principal ores of their respective metals (mercury, iron byproduct, lead).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Any single mineral choice would be incomplete when all three belong to the same group.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing pyrite (FeS2) with an oxide because of its metallic luster; luster does not determine anion class—composition does.

Final Answer:

All of the above