Question

Define the following terms.

(i) Minerals

(ii) Ores

(iii) Gangue

Answer 1

(i) The naturally occurring elements or compounds of metals present in the earth's crust are called minerals.

(iii) Ores are the minerals from which metal is conveniently and profitably extracted. There are mainly four kinds of ores like Ores Oxides; Ores Carbonate; Sulphide Ores; Ores Halides.

(iii) The undesirable, commercially valueless impurities present in the ore are called gangue or matrix.