Question

Choose correct statements regarding iron ore. \[ \begin{aligned} A.&\ \text{Pyrolusite is the best quality of iron ore and contains 72\% iron.} B.&\ \text{Limonite contains 40\% to 60\% iron metal.} C.&\ \text{Most of the haematite ores are found in Dharwad and Cuddapah rock systems of India.} D.&\ \text{Siderite, also known as ``iron carbonate'', is of inferior quality and contains less than 40\% iron.} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and C only
• B. B, C and D only
• C. A, C and D only
• D. A, B and D only

Hint:

Major iron ores: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Magnetite} &\rightarrow 72\% \text{ Iron (Best Quality)}, \text{Haematite} &\rightarrow 60\%\text{--}70\% \text{ Iron}, \text{Limonite} &\rightarrow 40\%\text{--}60\% \text{ Iron}, \text{Siderite} &\rightarrow <40\% \text{ Iron}. \end{aligned} } \] Mnemonic: “Magnetite is Maximum; Pyrolusite is Manganese.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The principal iron ores are haematite, magnetite, limonite and siderite. Pyrolusite is not an iron ore; it is the chief ore of manganese. Magnetite is the best quality iron ore, containing about \(72\%\) iron.

Step 1: Evaluate each statement. \[ \begin{aligned} A.&\ \text{False. Pyrolusite is a manganese ore, not an iron ore.} B.&\ \text{True. Limonite generally contains about 40\%\text{--}60\% iron.} C.&\ \text{True. Haematite deposits are mainly associated with the Dharwar and Cuddapah rock systems.} D.&\ \text{True. Siderite (iron carbonate) is a low-grade iron ore containing less than 40\% iron.} \end{aligned} \]

Step 2: Identify the correct combination. \[ \boxed{ B,\ C,\ \text{and}\ D } \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]