Acanthite (silver sulfide)
The main primary silver mineral, though most silver is recovered from lead-zinc and copper concentrates.
Bornite
A richer copper sulfide than chalcopyrite at about 63% Cu, common in the upper enriched zones of porphyry deposits.
Chalcocite
The richest common copper sulfide, near 80% Cu, formed where weathering has redeposited copper below the water table.
Chalcopyrite
The most important copper ore mineral on Earth. About 34% copper by weight when pure; typical ore grades are under 1%.
Cinnabar
The mercury ore, and the source of the pigment vermilion used for millennia before its toxicity was understood.
Galena
The main lead ore, and a principal carrier of silver — which is why most silver is a by-product.
Molybdenite
Soft enough to mark paper. Also a dry lubricant, and now a two-dimensional semiconductor under study.
Pentlandite
The main nickel sulfide ore mineral, and the host that also carries most by-product platinum-group metals.
Sphalerite
The main zinc ore, and the world's main source of indium, germanium and gallium as trace substitutions in its lattice.
Stibnite
The antimony ore, forming spectacular sprays of metallic blades. Used as eye cosmetic (kohl) for thousands of years.