Which of the following is a ferrous mineral?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Manganese
Option (1) Manganese — Correct. ‘Ferrous’ refers to iron: minerals with iron content are ferrous. Iron ore, manganese and chromite are the ferrous minerals; they are the base of the metallurgical industries.
Option (2) Copper — Incorrect. Copper is a metallic mineral with no iron content, so it is non-ferrous.
Option (3) Bauxite — Incorrect. Bauxite, the ore of aluminium, is also non-ferrous.
Option (4) Limestone — Incorrect. Limestone is not a metallic mineral at all; it is a non-metallic mineral of inorganic origin, like mica and graphite.
NCERT (2025-26): “Ferrous Mineral … Ferrous minerals such as iron ore, manganese, chromite, etc., provide a strong base for the development of metallurgical industries. Our country is well-placed in respect of ferrous minerals both in reserves and production.…” “Types of Mineral Resources … Ferrous, as you know, refers to iron. All those minerals which have iron content are ferrous such as iron ore itself and those which do not have iron content are non-ferrous such as copper, bauxite, etc. Non-metallic minerals are either organic in origin such as fossil fuels also known as mineral fuels which are derived from the buried animal and plant life such as coal and petroleum. Other type of non-metallic minerals are inorganic in origin such as mica, limestone and graphite, etc.…” |