hematite

[ hee-muh-tahyt, hem-uh- ]
/ ˈhi məˌtaɪt, ˈhɛm ə- /

noun

a very common mineral, iron oxide, Fe2O3, occurring in steel-gray to black crystals and in red earthy masses: the principal ore of iron.

Origin of hematite

1535–45; < Latin haematītes bloodstone < Greek haimatī́tēs ( lithós) bloodlike (stone). See hemat-, -ite1

OTHER WORDS FROM hematite

he·ma·tit·ic [hee-muh-tit-ik, hem-uh-] /ˌhi məˈtɪt ɪk, ˌhɛm ə-/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for hematite

British Dictionary definitions for hematite

hematite

haematite (ˈhɛmətaɪt, ˈhiːm-)

/ (ˈhɛmətaɪt) /

noun

a red, grey, or black mineral, found as massive beds and in veins and igneous rocks. It is the chief source of iron. Composition: iron (ferric) oxide. Formula: Fe 2 O 3 . Crystal structure: hexagonal (rhombohedral) Also called: iron glance

Derived forms of hematite

hematitic or haematitic (ˌhɛməˈtɪtɪk, ˌhiː-), adjective

Word Origin for hematite

C16: via Latin from Greek haimatitēs resembling blood, from haima blood

Scientific definitions for hematite

hematite
[ hēmə-tīt′ ]

A reddish-brown to silver-gray metallic mineral. Hematite occurs as rhombohedral crystals, as reniform (kidney-shaped) crystals, or as fibrous aggregates in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is the most abundant ore of iron, and it is usually slightly magnetic. Chemical formula: Fe2O3.