Question

Sylvine is an ore of which of the following metals?
A. $K$ and $Na$
B. $Na$
C. $Mg$
D. $Al$

Answer 1

Hint: Sylvine is also known as sylvite. It is the major source of potassium metal. It is closely related to halite$(NaCl)$. Sylvine and halite share so many properties that their identification becomes difficult. Naturally it has half the sodium content of ordinary table salt. The crystals of this ore are cubic with frequent octahedral faces truncating the corners of the cube.

Step-By-Step solution:
Let's take a look at physical characteristics of Sylvine ore-
1. It is a colourless crystal but sometimes it is found tinted red, blue or yellow and has a distinctive bitter taste.
2. It has associated minerals such as halite ,gypsum, kieserite, carnallite, anhydrite and other evaporite minerals.
3. Crystals of Sylvine are transparent to translucent and isometric.
4.It can dissolve in water easily. It does not become powder when the blade of the knife is scratched across its surface.
So Sylvine is ore of $K$ and $Na$ metals hence option A is the correct answer to this problem.

Note : It is very useful ore. Sylvite is a good source of potassium or potash which is used in fertilizers products. Chemical formula of Sylvite is $KCl$ but some sodium content is present in it. It is useful in industrial uses, including aluminium recycling, metal electroplating and in oil drilling fluids. It is the main ingredient of potassium supplements which are used in treating or preventing low potassium conditions such as hypokalemia. In the environment it evaporites and deposits such as dry lakes and saline lake shorelines, salt bed, volcanic fumaroles etc. It is only found in dry saline areas.