Question

What are some examples of ores?

Answer 1

Hint:Ores are naturally occurring homogeneous inorganic solid substances from which metal can be economically extracted. All ores are minerals, but all minerals are not ores.

Complete step-by-step answer:- Minerals and ores are abundantly found in Earth’s crust. Minerals are naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substances having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color and hardness.
- Some examples of minerals are clay, horn silver, cryolite etc.
- A mineral from which metal can be economically extracted in a maximum amount is called an ore.
- Some examples of ores are zinc blend, bauxite, cinnabar etc.
- All ores are minerals, but all minerals are not ores.
- There are some ores that have proven themselves a great resource for mankind. Such as iron obtained from ore of iron, which is Hematite, built during the formation of industrial revolution. Out of the total naturally occurring 70% are metals.
- Metals occur in nature in free as well as in combined states. Generally, reactive metals occur in combined states in the form of oxides, sulfides, carbonates etc.
- The metals in the middle of the reactivity series such as zinc, iron, lead etc. are moderately reactive and are found in earth’s crust in the form of oxides, sulfides, carbonates etc. Out of these metal compounds, pure metal can be economically extracted from some compounds.

Note:The process of extraction of pure metals from their ores is called Metallurgy. Methods are used in the extraction of metals from their ores on the basis of their reactivity. The process of electrolysis, calcination, roasting and reduction methods are used.