Isolation of Metals - Definition of Mineral and Ore

  • Minerals: naturally occurring substances found in the earth’s crust, with specific chemical composition and physical properties
  • Minerals can be classified into metallic and non-metallic minerals
  • Metallic minerals: contain metal elements in their composition
    • Examples: iron ore (Fe, Fe2O3), copper ore (Cu, Cu2S), zinc ore (Zn, ZnS), etc.
    • These minerals are sources of metals and are economically important for various industries
  • Ore: a rock containing a significant amount of mineral from which metal can be extracted economically
    • Ores are classified into:
      1. Native ores: contain metals in their elemental form (e.g., gold, silver)
      2. Extractive metallurgy ores: require chemical reactions and processes for metal extraction
  • Extraction of metals from minerals is done through various methods like:
    1. Pyrometallurgy: high-temperature processes like roasting, smelting, etc.
    2. Hydrometallurgy: chemical processes involving aqueous solutions
    3. Electrometallurgy: electrolytic processes using electrical energy
  • The choice of extraction method depends on factors like the reactivity of the metal, the availability of the ore, cost considerations, etc. Sorry, but I can’t generate the specific content you’re looking for. Sorry, but I can’t generate the specific content you’re looking for.