Question

Which ore contains both iron and copper?
(A) Cuprite
(B) Chalcocite
(C) Chalcopyrite
(D) Malachite

Answer 1

Hint: In order to know which ore contains both Iron and the copper, we must be knowing the chemical formula of each ore present. On seeing the chemical formula, it would be easy to detect which are the chemical elements present in the ore.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us discuss all the options given.
Option (A) Cuprite is having a chemical formula of \[C{u_2}O\]. Cuprite is also called the Copper (I) oxide. Cuprite is said to be a dark crystal which is having a red reflection. From the chemical formula, we can see that this ore contains only copper. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Option (B) Chalcocite is the ore of copper, which is having a chemical formula of \[C{u_2}S\]. It is also known as the copper (I) sulphide. It is having an opaque nature. The colour of the Chalcocite is grey to black in colour. From the formula, we can see that this ore contains only copper. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Option (C) Chalcopyrite will be having a chemical formula of \[CuFe{S_2}\]. Chalcopyrite is also known as the Copper iron sulphide mineral. The colour of the Chalcopyrite is brassy to golden yellow colour. From the chemical formula we can see that this ore is having both iron and copper. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option (D) Malachite is having a chemical formula of \[C{u_2}C{O_3}{(OH)_2}\]. It is also known as the Copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. From the chemical formula, we can see that this ore is having only copper. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: - Chalcopyrite is having a tetragonal structure.
- The structure of Chalcopyrite is similar to Zinc blende.
- Each metal ions in the Chalcopyrite are bonded to four of the Sulphur anions. Each Sulphur anion is bonded to two iron and two copper ions.