# Ore

A rock that contains enough of a metal compound to make it worth extracting the metal. Most metals are found as compounds, such as oxides.

Chemistry (school) · Part 07: Metals and electrolysis · Card 5 of 9 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

An ore is like a chocolate chip cookie. The chips (metal) are worth taking out.

## In practice

Haematite is an ore of iron, made mostly of iron oxide.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **What is an ore?** A rock containing enough metal compound to be worth extracting.

## Questions people ask

### Why are most metals found as compounds?

Most metals react with oxygen and other substances in nature, so they sit in rocks as compounds. Only unreactive metals such as gold can be found as pure metal. Reactive metals need energy to be separated from their compounds. Gold is found as nuggets for this reason.

### What does it mean for an ore to be economic?

It contains enough metal that it is profitable to dig up and extract it. When the price of a metal rises, or better methods are found, poorer ores become worth using. Mining also affects the environment, so costs of damage are weighed too.

## Related concepts

- [Extraction by carbon](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/chemistry-school/chemistry-school-part-7/chemistry-school-part-7-concept-6)

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