Question map
Starting from the best quality of iron ore, which one of the following is the correct sequence of the iron ore based on the contents of pure iron?
Explanation
Iron ores are classified based on their metallic iron content. Magnetite (Fe3O4) is the finest quality iron ore with the highest iron content, reaching up to 72.4% [4]. Hematite (Fe2O3) is the second-best grade, containing approximately 60-70% iron, and is the most important industrial ore due to its abundance [4]. Limonite is a lower-grade hydrated iron oxide with a metallic content typically less than 50-60% [2]. Siderite (FeCO3) is the lowest quality among the four, containing roughly 20-48% iron [2]. Therefore, the correct sequence from best to lowest quality based on pure iron content is Magnetite, followed by Hematite, Limonite, and finally Siderite. This hierarchy is determined by the theoretical chemical composition of the minerals, where magnetite's oxide structure allows for the highest concentration of iron atoms per molecule compared to the carbonates and hydroxides found in lower grades.
Sources
- [1] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Iron Ore > p. 107
- [4] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 28: Manufacturing Industry and The Iron and Steel Industry > Types of lron Ore > p. 284
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 7: Resources > Natural Resources of India > p. 7
- [2] https://www.britannica.com/technology/iron-processing/Ores