Question

Litharge is a mineral of
A.Magnesium
B.Lithium
C.Lead
D.Zinc

Answer 1

A mineral is a naturally occurring substance that is inorganic and has different physical and chemical properties. It has a range of chemical composition. It is a solid substance that is present in nature and can be made of one or more elements combined. The mineral from which metal is extracted is called ore. Minerals occur naturally.

Complete step by step answer:
We know what a mineral is.
Litharge is alpha lead monoxide PbO
Therefore, litharge is a mineral of lead.
It is red or reddish yellow colored solid. It has a tetragonal crystal structure.
Litharge can be prepared by the air oxidation of lead. It is insoluble in water.
It is used commercially and also used as a starting material for the preparation of various lead compounds.
Other minerals that contain lead are Galena ( PbS), Anglesite ().
Litharge is an oxide ore of lead.
Another mineral is Massicot or Beta lead monoxide PbO which has an orthogonal crystal structure.
Therefore, Litharge is a mineral of lead.

Thus, the correct option is C.

Note: Let us now look at other options too. The minerals of metals can be in uncombined states, or the form of carbonates, halides, oxides, phosphates, silicates, sulfates, etc. Some of the minerals of magnesium are ${\text{MgC}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}$ (Magnesite), ${\text{MgS}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{4}}}{\text{.7}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O}}$ (Epsomite). There is a chance of confusion between Litharge and Lithium. But, the minerals of Lithium are Petalite ${\text{Al}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}{\text{Li}}{{\text{O}}_{{\text{10}}}}{\text{S}}{{\text{i}}_{\text{4}}}$ and Lepidolite. The minerals of zinc are ${\text{ZnC}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}$ (Smithsonite), ZnS (sphalerite).