Question

Calamine is an ore of which of the following ?

• A. Ca
• B. Zn
• C. Mg
• D. Hg

Hint:

Calamine is an ore of {Zinc (Zn)}. Its main chemical composition is zinc carbonate (\(\text{ZnCO}_3\)). Think of calamine lotion, which contains zinc compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Ores are naturally occurring rocks or minerals from which metals can be extracted economically. Calamine is a historical name for an ore. Step 1: Identifying Calamine Calamine is an ore that is primarily composed of zinc carbonate (\(\text{ZnCO}_3\)). The mineral name for zinc carbonate is smithsonite. Historically, "calamine" has also sometimes referred to hydrated zinc silicate (hemimorphite), but it is most commonly associated with zinc carbonate. In either case, it is an ore of zinc. Step 2: Determining the metal obtained from Calamine Since calamine is mainly zinc carbonate (\(\text{ZnCO}_3\)), the metal that can be extracted from it is Zinc (Zn). Step 3: Analyzing the options % Option (M) (1) Ca (Calcium): Ores of calcium include limestone (\(CaCO_3\)), gypsum (\(CaSO_4 \cdot 2H_2O\)). % Option (N) (2) Zn (Zinc): Calamine (\(ZnCO_3\)) is an ore of zinc. Other zinc ores include sphalerite/zinc blende (ZnS) and zincite (ZnO). % Option (O) (3) Mg (Magnesium): Ores of magnesium include magnesite (\(MgCO_3\)), dolomite (\(CaCO_3 \cdot MgCO_3\)), carnallite. % Option (P) (4) Hg (Mercury): The principal ore of mercury is cinnabar (HgS). Therefore, calamine is an ore of zinc. (Calamine lotion, known for its soothing properties, also contains zinc oxide or zinc carbonate).