Question

Two of the most heavily utilized metals are aluminum and iron. What are the most important natural sources of these elements? In what oxidation state is each metal found in nature?

Short answer

The most important natural sources of aluminum and iron are bauxite and hematite/magnetite, respectively. Aluminum is mostly found in an oxidation state of +3 (Al^{3+}) in its natural form, while iron is found in both +2 and +3 oxidation states in hematite (Fe_2O_3) and magnetite (Fe_3O_4).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the most important natural sources of Aluminum

Bauxite is the primary natural source of aluminum. It is an aluminum-rich rock consisting mainly of aluminum hydroxide minerals like gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore, combined with other elements such as iron, silica, and titanium.

Identify the most important natural sources of Iron

Iron is mainly found in two types of ore deposits: Hematite and Magnetite. Hematite, the most common ore for iron extraction, is an iron oxide mineral with a deep red color. Magnetite, the second most abundant source, is a black or brownish-black magnetic mineral composed of ferric and ferrous iron.

Find the oxidation state of Aluminum in nature

In its natural form, aluminum is mostly found in the form of aluminum(III) ions, with an oxidation state of +3. Oxidation state, in simple terms, is the charge assigned to an element in a compound, considering that electrons are entirely lost or gained by atoms. The symbol for the aluminum ion with an oxidation state of +3 is Al^{3+}.

Find the oxidation state of Iron in nature

Iron is mainly found in two oxidation states in nature: +2 and +3. In hematite (Fe_2O_3), iron has an oxidation state of +3, while in magnetite (Fe_3O_4), iron occurs in a mixed +2 and +3 oxidation state.