Which mineral ore's deposits are formed by the decomposition of a wide variety of rocks rich in aluminium silicates?

Correct option is B

​The correct answer is (b) Bauxite.

Correct Answer Explanation:

• Bauxite is the mineral ore from which aluminium is extracted. Bauxite deposits are formed through the weathering and decomposition of a wide variety of rocks that are rich in aluminium silicates.
• The process of weathering involves the breakdown of minerals containing aluminium silicates into simpler minerals, eventually forming bauxite.
• Bauxite is primarily composed of aluminium oxide minerals such as gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore.
• The formation of bauxite typically occurs in tropical and subtropical climates, where heavy rainfall and high temperatures accelerate the weathering of the parent rocks.

Information about Other Options:

•  Manganese – Incorrect. Manganese ore is primarily formed through processes like chemical precipitation in marine environments and hydrothermal processes, not from the decomposition of aluminium silicates.
•  Iron – Incorrect. Iron ore is typically formed from sedimentary processes, with hematite and magnetite being the primary minerals, not from aluminium silicate weathering.
•  Alumina – Incorrect.Alumina (aluminium oxide) is a refined product obtained from bauxite, not a primary mineral ore. Bauxite is the source of alumina.

Information Booster:

Bauxite and Aluminium Industry:

·       Bauxite is the main ore for extracting aluminium, which is used in various industries such as aerospace, automobiles, and construction.

·       The extraction process from bauxite involves refining it into alumina and then reducing it to aluminium metal.

·       Manganese ores of major commercial importance are: (i) pyrolusite (ii) psilomelane (iii) manganite (Mn₂O₃).

·       Iron Ore: Haematite, Magnetite, Limonite & Siderite