Which mineral is a zinc ore?

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Multiple Choice

Which mineral is a zinc ore?

Explanation:
Zinc ore means a mineral that contains zinc in a form that's economically extractable for metal production. The primary zinc ore is sphalerite, which is zinc sulfide with formula (Zn,Fe)S. It is the main source of zinc because it concentrates zinc in a recoverable form. The other minerals are calcite (calcium carbonate), gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate), and halite (sodium chloride); none of these provide zinc for ore production. Sphalerite’s abundance as a zinc-bearing mineral makes it the correct answer.

Zinc ore means a mineral that contains zinc in a form that's economically extractable for metal production. The primary zinc ore is sphalerite, which is zinc sulfide with formula (Zn,Fe)S. It is the main source of zinc because it concentrates zinc in a recoverable form. The other minerals are calcite (calcium carbonate), gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate), and halite (sodium chloride); none of these provide zinc for ore production. Sphalerite’s abundance as a zinc-bearing mineral makes it the correct answer.

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