Ore-forming minerals are those that concentrate in large amounts within the Earth’s crust and are mined for their valuable metal content.
1.Sulphide Minerals:
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- Pyrite (FeS₂): Known as “fool’s gold,” pyrite is a common source of sulfur and is often found in association with gold.
- Chalcopyrite(CuFeS₂): The main mineral from which copper is extracted.
- Galena(PbS): The primary mineral for extracting lead.
- Sphalerite(ZnS): The chief source of zinc.
- Oxide Minerals:
- Hematite (Fe₂O₃): A major iron ore mineral.
- Magnetite (Fe₃O₄): Another significant iron ore, known for its magnetic properties and often found in banded iron formations.
- Bauxite (primarily Al(OH)₃ and AlO(OH)): The principal source of aluminum.
- Carbonate Minerals:
- Siderite (FeCO₃): An iron carbonate mineral, though less prevalent as an iron ore compared to hematite and magnetite.
- Smithsonite (ZnCO₃): A mineral from which zinc is extracted, often found in secondary deposits.
- Silicate Minerals:
- Chromite (FeCr₂O₄): The primary mineral used to obtain chromium.
- Platinum-group minerals (PGMs): Including sperrylite (PtAs₂) and cooperite (PtS), these minerals are sources of platinum and its related metals.
- Halide Minerals:
- Halite (NaCl): Commonly known as table salt, though it is not typically classified as a metal ore.
- Native Elements:
- Gold (Au): Often found in its pure form, gold is a highly sought-after metal.
- Silver (Ag): Like gold, silver is usually extracted in its native state.
These minerals are extracted through various mining techniques and processed to obtain the valuable metals they contain. Each type of ore-forming mineral is linked to specific geological settings and processes of formation.