Video Transcript
Which of the following is not an
iron ore? (A) Hematite, (B) limonite, (C)
magnetite, (D) dolomite, or (E) siderite.
In this question, we want to know
which of the ores listed is not considered an ore of iron. Iron is the most abundant
transition element in the Earth’s crust and is a crucial metal for society. Although abundant, pure iron has
little economic value due to its relative softness and low hardness. It is often mixed with other
elements to form alloys, such as steel, which have a wide range of qualities and
applications.
Iron can be extracted from iron
ores, natural rocks or sediments that contain iron, which can be mined, treated, and
sold for profit. There are many different types of
iron ore, and it is helpful to memorize them. Both hematite and magnetite are
common iron ores consisting primarily of different iron oxides. Limonite is an ore composed of
various hydrated iron(III) oxides and hydroxides. Siderite is also iron based and is
composed of iron(II) carbonate. Dolomite is a type of limestone
composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. As dolomite is not primarily
composed of an iron-based compound, it is not an iron ore.
Therefore, the answer choice that
is not an iron ore is answer choice (D), dolomite.
