Multiple choice

Which of the following, exhibit a bonding affinity with selenium, tellurium, arsenic and antimony?

  1. Lithophiles

  2. Chalcophile

  3. Siderophiles

  4. Atmophiles

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Chalcophile elements have a high bonding affinity—usually in the form of covalent bonds—with sulfur, and are usually abundant in sulfides. Chalcophiles also exhibit a bonding affinity, with selenium, tellurium, arsenic, and antimony and therefore also exhibit high levels of derivatives, of these elements. When sulfur is abundant, chalcophile elements readily form sulfide minerals, as they precipitate from the magma. This process partially explains the formation of extensive deposits, of iron-nickel-copper sulfides.