Question

Identify the copper-containing minerals.
(A) Covellite
(B) Azurite
(C) Powellite
(D) Limonite
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. Only (A) and (B)
• B. Only (B) and (C)
• C. Only (A) and (C)
• D. Only (B) and (D)

Hint:

Copper minerals are often brightly colored; for example, Azurite has a striking deep-blue color, while Malachite—another common copper carbonate—is bright green.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
Identifying the chemical composition of minerals is essential for understanding nutrient weathering and soil mineralogy.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the chemical formulas and compositions of the listed minerals:
- (A) Covellite: This is a rare copper sulfide mineral with the chemical formula $\text{CuS}$. It contains approximately $66\%$ copper, making it a direct copper-containing mineral. (True)
- (B) Azurite: This is a deep-blue copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with the chemical formula $\text{Cu}_3(\text{CO}_3)_2(\text{OH})_2$. It is a prominent secondary copper mineral found in oxidized copper ore zones. (True)
- (C) Powellite: This is a calcium molybdate mineral with the chemical formula $\text{CaMoO}_4$. It does not contain copper in its chemical structure.
- (D) Limonite: This is an amorphous iron oxide hydroxide mineral mixture with the general formula $\text{FeO(OH)}\cdot n\text{H}_2\text{O}$. It is a major iron ore but does not contain copper.
Therefore, only Covellite (A) and Azurite (B) are copper-containing minerals.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct option is Only (A) and (B), corresponding to option (A).