Which of the following is carbonate ore of zinc ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, Calamine, is the correct answer because it is the carbonate ore of zinc. Calamine primarily consists of zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃), which is a mineral form of zinc. This makes it distinct from other zinc ores, which are not carbonates.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Calamine):**
   - Calamine is a mineral that contains zinc carbonate. It is one of the primary sources of zinc and is specifically classified as a carbonate ore. The presence of the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) in its chemical structure is what defines it as a carbonate ore. This makes Calamine the correct answer when identifying a carbonate ore of zinc.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Zinc blende):**
     - Zinc blende, also known as sphalerite, is primarily composed of zinc sulfide (ZnS). It is not a carbonate ore but rather a sulfide ore. The presence of sulfur in its composition differentiates it from carbonate ores.

- **Option 3 (Zincite):**
     - Zincite is a mineral form of zinc oxide (ZnO). It is an oxide ore, not a carbonate ore. The absence of carbonate ions in its structure means it cannot be classified as a carbonate ore.

- **Option 4 (Sphalerite):**
     - Sphalerite is another name for zinc blende, which, as mentioned earlier, is composed of zinc sulfide (ZnS). Like zinc blende, it is a sulfide ore and not a carbonate ore.

In conclusion, Calamine is the only option among the given choices that is a carbonate ore of zinc, as it contains zinc carbonate. This makes Option 2 the correct answer.