AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
Although magnetite has a higher iron content (up to 70%), hematite is the most important industrial iron ore because of the quantity used. Hematite (50–60% iron) is far more abundantly available and widely distributed across major belts in India — Odisha-Jharkhand, Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur, Ballari-Chitradurga, and Maharashtra-Goa. Industrial significance depends not only on iron content but also on availability, ease of extraction, and commercial viability. Hematite's large reserves and suitability for steel-making make it more valuable industrially despite its slightly lower iron content.
Source: Chapter 5, Iron Ore section
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Examiners want students to move beyond the simple comparison of iron percentages. The key insight is that industrial importance = quantity available + commercial viability + ease of extraction, not just ore grade. Mention hematite's wide distribution and large reserves. You can name the four major belts for extra credit. Magnetite's special value is limited to the electrical industry due to its magnetic properties — that's a niche use, not mass industrial use.