Question

Which of the following is a metallic mineral?
(A) Coal
(B) Limestone
(C) Mica
(D) Copper

Answer 1

Answer:

Option (D), Copper is correct

Copper is a metallic mineral.

Explanation:

Copper is a soft metal. Its symbol is Cu which comes from its Latin name Cuprum. Its atomic number is 29.

Copper is obtained from Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), Chalocite (Cu₂S), Covellite (CuS), Cuprite (Cu₂O) and other ores.

Copper is used as a conductor in electrical devices. It is also used in roofing, guttering and also as an industrial heat exchanger.

Answer 2

Copper is a metallic mineral.

Option: D  

Explanation:

• Metallic minerals are the ones that are sources of metals. They are usually abiotic.

• They are not formed from plant or animal remains.

• A metal is an element which is hard, lustrous, sonorous, and ductile and has a very high melting point. Copper has all these properties.

• It has a very ‘high melting point’ at 1085°C. Hence it is a metallic mineral.  

• Coal, limestone, mica on the other hand are relatively soft, ‘non-lustrous’, non-sonorous and have relatively ‘low melting points’.

• Hence they are all non-metallic minerals.