Magnetite is the ore of which metal?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Iron
An ore is a mineral from which a metal can be extracted profitably. Magnetite, Fe3O4, is an oxide ore of iron; it is magnetic, which gives it its name. The other iron ores are haematite (\( \ce{Fe2O3} \)), siderite (\( \ce{FeCO3} \)) and iron pyrites (\( \ce{FeS2} \)).
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Occurrence of Metals (iron rows of Table 6.1: Principal Ores of Some Important Metals)
| Metal | Ores | Composition |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Haematite | Fe2O3 |
| Iron | Magnetite | Fe3O4 |
| Iron | Siderite | FeCO3 |
| Iron | Iron pyrites | FeS2 |