Question

Iderite and sphalerite are the ore of the metals:
A. $Al{\text{ }}and{\text{ }}Zn$
B. $Fe{\text{ }}and{\text{ }}Cu$
C. $Cu{\text{ }}and{\text{ }}Zn$
D. $Fe{\text{ }}and{\text{ }}Zn$

Answer 1

Ore is the natural sediment which contains a mineral of metals. The minerals contain several oxides, sulfides, and silicates of metals.

Complete step by step answer:
Siderite ore is the composition of minerals of iron metal and carbonates. The metal content in the mineral is about $48.02\%$ iron ($Fe$). The name of the siderite mineral is derived from the word sideros which means iron in Greek.
The structure of siderite minerals reveals that it contains a hexagonal scalenohedral system. Siderite minerals are transparent and semi-transparent appearance crystals with different colors like yellow, pale yellow, brown, green, red, black and sometimes colorless.
Sphalerite is the main ore of zinc. The name sphalerite is obtained from the word "sphaleros". Sphalerite is chemically known as zinc sulfide mineral which has the chemical composition of ZnS and FeS. Sphalerite is found in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks throughout several parts worldwide.
The chemical formula of sphalerite contains $(Zn,Fe)S$ which means the mineral has variable amounts of iron content in the lattice which substitutes the zinc in the crystal. The amount of iron substitution relies on iron availability and temperature. The higher temperatures favor more iron content. The normal value of iron content is lower than $25\%$ by weight.
In addition, iron sphalerite contains other elements in trace amounts. The elements are manganese cadmium, arsenic, indium, germanium, and gallium are found to exist in minor amounts. These elements are recovered as byproducts after the extraction process.

Hence,option D is the correct answer.

Note: The process of extraction of metal ores is called Mining. The metal ores are found in variable amounts in the earth's crust. The extraction of metals from ores allows using the minerals present in the ground.