Question

Which among the following is a mineral of magnesium?

• A. Limonite
• B. Cryolite
• C. Magnesite
• D. Magnetite

Hint:

Magnesite \((\mathrm{MgCO_3})\) is the most common ore of magnesium and is widely used for the extraction of magnesium metal.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identify the composition of each mineral.
Minerals are naturally occurring compounds that contain specific elements. To identify a magnesium mineral, the compound must contain magnesium as a major constituent.
Step 2: Analyze each option.
(A) Limonite: It is an iron ore containing hydrated iron(III) oxide and does not contain magnesium.
(B) Cryolite: It is a mineral of sodium and aluminium with the formula \(\mathrm{Na_3AlF_6}\).
(C) Magnesite: Correct, it is magnesium carbonate with the formula \(\mathrm{MgCO_3}\).
(D) Magnetite: It is an iron ore with the formula \(\mathrm{Fe_3O_4}\).
Step 3: Conclusion.
Among the given options, magnesite is the mineral that contains magnesium as its main constituent.