Question

define (i) mineral, (ii) ore.

aluminium occurs in combined state wheras gold is found in free state in nature. Why?

Answer 1

(i) Mineral is a naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness.

(ii) A natural deposit containing a mineral of an element to be extracted or we can also define ore as a mineral or an aggregate of minerals from which a metal can be extracted.

Gold (nobel metal) is very less reactive whereas aluminium is a very reactive element. Therefore aluminium reacts with other elements or compounds more than gold and occurs in combined state, while gold being less reactive occurs in free state.