Step 1: Understanding types of minerals.
Minerals are broadly classified into metallic and non-metallic minerals. Metallic minerals contain metal content and can be extracted and processed to obtain metals.
Step 2: Nature of Iron.
Iron is a metal and is extracted from iron ore. It has metallic properties such as conductivity, strength, and malleability. Therefore, it belongs to the category of metallic minerals.
Step 3: Analysis of the options.
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(A) Placer deposit: Incorrect. This refers to minerals found in river beds.
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(B) Source of energy: Incorrect. Iron is not used as a fuel.
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(C) Non-metallic mineral: Incorrect. Iron is a metal.
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(D) Metallic mineral: Correct. Iron is a metallic mineral.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, Iron is an example of a metallic mineral.
Final Answer:} Metallic mineral.