Meaning & Definition of word "Mineralogy"
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Mineralogy
/ˌmɪn.əˈræl.ə.dʒi/
noun:
- 1. the branch of geology concerned with the study of minerals, including their distribution, identification, and properties.
- Example: Her passion for mineralogy led her to pursue a degree in geology.
- 2. the study of the chemical composition and structure of minerals.
- Example: Mineralogy plays a crucial role in understanding the Earth's crust and its formation.
- 3. the classification and identification of minerals based on their physical and chemical properties.
- Example: The mineralogy of the area reveals a diverse range of rock formations.
- 4. the science that deals with minerals, including their origin, formation, and economic significance.
- Example: In her mineralogy class, she learned how to identify various rock types through their mineral content.
Etymology
From Latin 'minerale' combined with the Greek 'logia' meaning 'study of'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
mineral resources:
Natural resources consisting of minerals that can be extracted for economic use.
hard rock mineralogy:
The study of minerals found in hard rocks, particularly igneous and metamorphic rocks.
economic mineralogy:
The branch of mineralogy that deals with minerals of economic value.
Related Words
geologist:
A scientist who studies the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth.
petrology:
The branch of science concerned with the study of rocks and the conditions under which they form.
crystallography:
The study of crystals and their properties.
Slang Meanings of mineralogy
Meaning: Rock hound
Example Sentence: He's such a rock hound, always collecting and studying different types of minerals.
Meaning: Mineral geek
Example Sentence: That mineral geek can name all the minerals in the collection without looking.