Metallic ore minerals are naturally occurring minerals from which metals can be economically extracted. These minerals are typically sources of valuable metals like iron, copper, gold, lead, zinc, and aluminum. Here’s a breakdown of key metallic ore minerals and their associated metals:
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Common Metallic Ore Minerals:
1. Hematite (Fe₂O₃) – Primary ore of iron.
2. Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) – Another important iron ore.
3. Bauxite (Al(OH)₃ + impurities) – Main source of aluminum.
4. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) – Major copper ore mineral.
5. Galena (PbS) – Principal ore of lead (often contains silver).
6. Sphalerite (ZnS) – Primary source of zinc.
7. Pyrite (FeS₂) – “Fool’s gold,” sometimes mined for sulfur or as a minor source of iron.
8. Cassiterite (SnO₂) – Main ore of tin.
9. Gold (Au) & Silver (Ag) – Occur native or in ores like electrum (Au-Ag alloy).
10. Pyrrhotite (Fe₁₋ₓ.jpg)
* – Sulfide mineral with minor nickel/cobalt content.
Key Features:
– Often have metallic luster and high density.
– Many are sulfides or oxides.
– Some ores require processing (e.g., smelting) to extract pure metal.
Deposit Types:
– Magmatic deposits (e.g., nickel in pentlandite).
– Hydrothermal veins (e.g., gold-quartz veins).
– Sedimentary beds (e.g., banded iron formations).
– Laterites (e.g., bauxite for aluminum).
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