Which one of the following is the best quality of iron ore ?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Magnetite

Among the various types of iron ore, Magnetite is considered the best quality due to its high iron content and superior magnetic properties.

Key Characteristics of Iron Ore Types:

Magnetite:

• Composition: Contains up to 72% iron.
• Magnetic Properties: Strongly magnetic, which makes it valuable for industrial use.
• Color: Black or brownish-black.
• Quality: Best-quality iron ore due to its high iron content.

Hematite:

• Composition: Contains around 60–70% iron.
• Color: Reddish-brown.
• Abundance: Most widely mined iron ore globally.
• Quality: Good-quality ore but slightly inferior to magnetite in iron content.

Limonite:

• Composition: Contains around 40–60% iron.
• Color: Yellowish-brown.
• Quality: Lower-quality ore due to its lower iron content.

Siderite:

• Composition: Contains around 40–50% iron.
• Color: Yellowish-brown to brown.
• Quality: Poor-quality ore due to low iron content and the presence of impurities.

Additional Information:

Iron Ore Production in India:

• India is the fourth-largest producer of iron ore globally.
• Odisha and Chhattisgarh contribute the majority of production, followed by Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Distribution by Iron Ore Type in India:

• Hematite: Found abundantly in Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Goa.
• Magnetite: Found in Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.