Correct option is A
Correct Answer:A. Gangue
Explanation:
Gangue refers to the impurities such as sand, soil, and other unwanted materials that are present along with the mineral ore. These impurities need to be removed during the processing of the ore to extract the desired metal.
Key Points:
- Definition of Gangue:
- Gangue is the non-valuable material found mixed with the ore. It is separated during the beneficiation process of the ore.
- Examples:
- In iron ore, silica and alumina are common gangue materials.
- For gold, quartz can be a gangue material.
- Removal Process:
- Gangue is removed by various processes such as gravity separation, froth flotation, or magnetic separation, depending on the properties of the ore and impurities.
Other Options Explained:
- Wrought: Refers to processed or worked metal, not impurities in ore.
- Spongy: Describes a physical texture of some materials, unrelated to ore impurities.
- Hardness of Ore: Refers to the mineral's resistance to scratching, unrelated to impurities.