Question:medium

The major component of which of the following ore is sulphide based mineral?

Updated On: Mar 12, 2026
  • Siderite
  • Sphalerite
  • Malachite
  • Calamine
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine which ore has sulphide-based minerals as its major component, let's examine each option:

  1. Siderite: This ore is primarily composed of iron carbonate (FeCO3), not a sulphide.
  2. Sphalerite: This is a zinc ore with the chemical formula ZnS. It is indeed a sulphide mineral.
  3. Malachite: This ore is primarily copper carbonate hydroxide [Cu2(CO3)2(OH)2], not a sulphide.
  4. Calamine: Calamine generally refers to the mineral zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) or zinc silicate (Zn4Si2O7(OH)2·H2O), neither of which are sulphides.

Based on the chemical compositions of the options, only Sphalerite is a sulphide-based mineral. Therefore, the correct answer is Sphalerite.

Thus, the major component of the ore Sphalerite is a sulphide-based mineral, represented by the chemical formula ZnS.

Was this answer helpful?
0