Question

Give the name and formulae of the main ores of iron and zinc.

Answer 1

The minerals from which the metals can be extracted at a low cost are known as ores.

• The main ore of iron is Haematite$\left({\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ , Limonite $({\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O})$ from which iron can be extracted.
• The main ore of zinc is Calamine $\left({\mathrm{ZnCO}}_3\right)$, Zinc blende $\left(\mathrm{ZnS}\right)$ from which zinc can be extracted.

Metal	Ore	Formulae
Iron	Haematite	${\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$
	Limonite	${\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$
Zinc	Calamine	${\mathrm{ZnCO}}_3$
	Zinc blende	$\mathrm{ZnS}$