Question

Identify the ore that contains both Ca and Mg
A.Limestone
B.Dolomite
C.Chalk
D.Feldspar

Answer 1

Hint: Ores: An ore can simply be explained as a rock that contains certain metals and metal compounds in sufficient quantities, so that the extraction of these metals and metal oxides is not a loss inducing process. The various methods that are used for the extraction of metals from ores depends on the reactivity of the metal as well as the stability of the ore.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us discuss all the ores given to us in the options and then derive conclusions from this discussion.
Limestone: Limestone is basically an ore which contains large amounts of calcium carbonate. This calcium carbonate is used to extract Calcium from this ore.
Dolomite: Dolomite is just another type of limestone. These ores contain large quantities of Calcium and Magnesium.
Chalk: Chalk is also a type of limestone. As opposed to limestone, chalk does not contain calcium carbonate as the main compound instead, it contains another compound known as calcite, which is also used to extract calcium.
Felspar: Feldspar ores are usually of two types – plagioclase and orthoclase. The first type contains large quantities of calcium and sodium, while the other is rich in potassium.
From the above data, we can conclude that the ore that contains both Ca and Mg is dolomite.

Hence, Option B is the correct option.

Note:
The physical properties of dolomite are that it exists in a crystal form. These crystals are usually colourless, but may also be found in colours like white, pink and blue.