Question

The sulphur (S) containing mineral is:

• A. Zeolite
• B. Dolomite
• C. Magnesite
• D. Epsomite

Hint:

To easily identify nutrient-supplying minerals:
- Carbonates (\( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \)): Dolomite, Magnesite, Calcite.
- Sulfates (\( \text{SO}_4^{2-} \)): Epsomite, Gypsum (\( \text{CaSO}_4\cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \)).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

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

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the chemical formulas of each of the options provided:
- Zeolite: This is a broad group of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals containing various cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium (e.g., clinoptilolite: \( (\text{Na,K,Ca})_{2-3}\text{Al}_3(\text{Al,Si})_2\text{Si}_{13}\text{O}_{36}\cdot 12\text{H}_2\text{O} \)).
They contain no sulfur in their crystal structure.
- Dolomite: This is a carbonate mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate:
\[ \text{CaMg(CO}_3)_2 \]
It is used as a liming material to neutralize acid soils and supplies calcium and magnesium, but contains no sulfur.
- Magnesite: This is a magnesium carbonate mineral:
\[ \text{MgCO}_3 \]
It contains no sulfur.
- Epsomite: This is a hydrous magnesium sulfate mineral, commonly known as Epsom salt:
\[ \text{MgSO}_4\cdot 7\text{H}_2\text{O} \]
As shown by its chemical formula, epsomite is composed of magnesium, oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur (as the sulfate anion).
It is highly soluble and is used in agriculture to supply both magnesium and sulfur to crops.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The sulfur-containing mineral is Epsomite.