Which of the following is an ore of thorium?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (B) Monazite

Explanation:
Monazite is the primary ore of thorium. It is a phosphate mineral containing rare earth elements and thorium, making it an important source of this radioactive element. Monazite sands are commonly found in coastal regions, especially in India.

Information Booster:
Monazite is mainly composed of thorium phosphate (ThPO₄) and also contains uranium and rare earth metals.
India has large reserves of monazite, particularly along the coastal sands of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.
Thorium extracted from monazite is considered a potential fuel for nuclear reactors.
Additional Information:
(A) Bauxite – An ore of aluminum, mainly composed of aluminum oxide minerals like gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore.
(C) Hematite – An iron ore, primarily consisting of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃).
(D) Magnetite – Another important iron ore, consisting of iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), known for its magnetic properties.