Question

The best quality iron ore is ____________

• A. Hematite
• B. Magnetite
• C. Siderite
• D. Limonite
  

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Magnetite

There are four major types of iron ore.

1- Magnetite (Fe${}_3$O${}_4$) is the richest of the common iron minerals. It contains 72.4% iron. The is darker than that of hematite, varying from deep dark brown to blackish.

2- Hematite (Fe${}_2$O${}_3$), it contains nearly 70% iron. It mostly reddish. Some hematite is almost black or even blue.

3- Limonite (2Fe${}_2$O${}_3$.3H${}_2$O) or brown ore. It contains 60% iron content. Its colour ranges from yellow to dark.

4-Siderite (Fe${}_2$CO${}_3$), it contains about 48% iron content.