Unit 17METALS
From deep underground ores to pure refined metal — explore the complete science of metallurgy, ore types, and extraction processes.
Minerals vs Ores
Understanding the key difference between naturally occurring minerals and economically valuable ores.
Minerals
Naturally occurring, inorganic solid substances found in the Earth's crust. Formed through geological processes. They have a definite chemical composition and specific crystal structure. Contain metals in smaller quantities.
All ores are minerals — but not all minerals are ores.
Ores
Rocks or minerals containing a high concentration of metals, making it economically viable (profitable) to extract them. Only minerals from which metals can be profitably extracted are called ores.
Economic viability is the deciding factor.
Chief Ores of Important Metals
Select a metal below to view its important ores with chemical formulas.
| S.N. | Name of Ore | Chemical Formula | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HematiteChief Ore | Fe₂O₃ | Oxide ore |
| 2 | Magnetite | Fe₃O₄ | Magnetic oxide ore |
| 3 | Limonite | 2Fe₂O₃·3H₂O | Hydrated ore |
| 4 | Siderite | FeCO₃ | Carbonate ore |
| 5 | Iron Pyrite | FeS₂ | Sulphide ore |
| S.N. | Name of Ore | Chemical Formula | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copper Pyrite (Chalcopyrite)Chief Ore | CuFeS₂ | Sulphide ore |
| 2 | Cuprite | Cu₂O | Oxide ore |
| 3 | Chalcocite (Copper Glance) | Cu₂S | Sulphide ore |
| 4 | Malachite | Cu(OH)₂·CuCO₃ | Carbonate ore |
| 5 | Azurite | [Cu(OH)₂·2CuCO₃] | Carbonate ore |
| S.N. | Name of Ore | Chemical Formula | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentite (Silver Glance)Chief Ore | Ag₂S | Sulphide ore |
| 2 | Horn Silver | AgCl | Halide ore |
| 3 | Silver Copper Glance | (AgCu)₂S | Mixed sulphide |
| 4 | Ruby Silver | 3Ag₂S·Sb₂S₃ | Complex sulphide |
| S.N. | Name of Ore | Chemical Formula | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BauxiteChief Ore | Al₂O₃·2H₂O | Hydrated oxide |
| 2 | Cryolite | Na₃AlF₆ | Fluoride ore |
| 3 | Corundum | Al₂O₃ | Anhydrous oxide |
How Metals Are Extracted
Click each step in the flowchart below to expand detailed notes and chemical reactions.
Surface (open-cast): Used for ores near surface — Bauxite, Iron ore.
Underground: Used for ores deep inside — Gold, Copper.
Equipment used: Crushers, Ball mills, Stamp mills.
Purpose: Increase surface area for easier extraction.
Froth flotation: Sulphide ores (ZnS, PbS, CuFeS₂)
Magnetic separation: Magnetic ores (magnetite)
Leaching: Bauxite in NaOH (Bayer's process)
2PbS + 3O₂ → 2PbO + 2SO₂
Al₂O₃·2H₂O → Al₂O₃ + 2H₂O
ZnO + C → Zn + CO
Cathode = Pure metal (deposits)
Electrolyte = Metal salt (CuSO₄ for Cu)
Cathode: Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
🔥 Roasting vs 🌡️ Calcination — Key Differences
Multiple Choice Questions
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Short & Long Answer Questions
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Key Terms & Glossary
Important metallurgical terms and definitions for quick revision.