Question

Trace elements that show affinity for sulphide minerals are called

• A. Siderophile
• B. Chalcophile
• C. Lithophile
• D. Hydrophile

Hint:

Remember: "Chalco" refers to sulfur-based compounds — chalcophile means sulfur-loving.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Chalcophile elements are those that show a strong affinity for sulfur and tend to associate with sulfide minerals. These include elements like Cu, Pb, Zn, etc.

Answer 2

Elimination approach: Siderophile elements (e.g., Fe, Ni, Co) have an affinity for metallic iron and concentrate in the Earth's core, not sulphides. Lithophile elements (e.g., Al, Si, Ca) bond readily with oxygen and are found in silicate minerals of the crust. "Hydrophile" is not a standard geochemical affinity class at all.
That leaves the class of elements that bond preferentially with sulphur and concentrate in sulphide ore minerals, such as Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag. This group is named chalcophile, from the Greek for "copper-loving", confirming it as the correct term.