Meaning & Definition of word "Mineralogy"
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.