Question

Which one of the following is the chief ore of copper?
A.Galena
B.Copper pyrites
C.Sphalerite
D.Siderite

Answer 1

Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color.

Complete step by step answer:
The principal ore of copper is copper pyrite and copper is extracted from this ore.
The largest source of copper is from porphyry ore deposits. The main copper sulphide minerals are chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, bornite, tetrahedrite and enargite.
Chalcopyrite (copper pyrite) is a sulfide mineral with formula $CuFe{S_2}$. It is the most important copper ore. It is a sulfide mineral, a member of iron $(2 + )$ sulfides and a copper sulfide.
After roasting, the ore is mixed with silica and coke and then smelted in a blast furnace. Some silica is also added and a hot air blast is thrown into the mixture to obtain blister copper which is purified by electrorefining.
The ore copper pyrites have two different metal atoms.

Hence, option B is correct.

Note:
Pyrite, which is a sulphide mineral composed of iron and Sulphur, is a major contamination of groundwater and streams due to acid mine drainage from sulphide mine tailings. Oxidation of pyrites releases toxic metals and metalloids such as arsenic which is poisonous for humans.