Question

Which of the following is an oxide ore?
(a) Calcite
(b) Zincite
(c) Magnesite
(d) Calamine

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that ore is a naturally occurring solid compound or substance from which valuable metals or minerals are extracted more conveniently and commercially as well. So approach this question by differentiating the given compounds as oxide ores and non-oxide ores.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss about ores and oxide ores as follows:-
-Ores: These are the naturally occurring solid compounds or substances from which valuable metals or minerals are extracted more conveniently and commercially as well. In simple words, ores can be defined as those minerals which have high concentrations of certain types of elements or metals.
-Oxide ores: These are the ores which contain metals in their oxide forms or these are those categories of ore in which metal is combined with oxygen. There are many ores given below:-
(a) Calcite: It is an ore of Calcium metal combined with carbonate. Its chemical formula is $CaC{{O}_{3}}$. It is a carbonate ore.
(b) Zincite: It is a mineral of zinc and its crystal form is rare in nature. Its chemical formula is ZnO. Also it is an oxide ore of zinc metal.
(c) Magnesite: It is an ore of magnesium combined with carbonate. Its chemical formula is $MgC{{O}_{3}}$. It is categorized as carbonate ore.
(d) Calamine: It is a carbonate ore of zinc metal and its chemical formula is $ZnC{{O}_{3}}$.

From the above data we can conclude that (b) Zincite is an oxide ore.

Note:
-Remember to not to get confused between Magnetite and Magnesite as magnetite is the oxide ore of iron whereas magnesite is the carbonate ore of magnesium.
- Also understand and learn the concepts of the metallurgy chapter so as to answer the questions regarding different ores and minerals.