FERROSILITE Meaning and
Definition
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Ferrosilite is a mineral and a member of the pyroxene group. It is primarily composed of iron and silicon dioxide, and is classified as an inosilicate. The name "ferrosilite" is derived from the Latin words "ferro" meaning iron and "silite" meaning silicate.
Physically, ferrosilite typically crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system, forming elongated prismatic crystals. It has a dark green to black color and a vitreous to metallic luster. Its hardness ranges between 5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively durable mineral.
Chemically, ferrosilite is composed of around 32 to 52 percent of iron oxide (FeO) and 48 to 68 percent of silicon dioxide (SiO2). However, variations in the iron and silicon content can lead to the formation of different endmembers within the pyroxene group.
Ferrosilite is commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, such as basalt, gabbro, and amphibolite. In geology, ferrosilite is often used as an indicator mineral to determine the mineral assemblage and conditions under which a rock was formed.
Overall, ferrosilite is an iron-rich pyroxene mineral that is widely distributed in various geological settings. Its distinctive physical and chemical properties make it an important mineral for understanding rock formations and mineralogical processes in the Earth's crust and mantle.
Etymology of FERROSILITE
The word "ferrosilite" is derived from the combination of two terms: "ferro-" and "silite".
1. "Ferro-" is derived from the Latin word "ferrum", meaning "iron". It denotes the presence of iron in a compound or mineral.
2. "Silite" is derived from the root word "silex", which is Latin for "flint" or "hard rock". It typically refers to the silicate mineral group, which includes minerals composed primarily of silicon and oxygen.
Therefore, "ferrosilite" combines the words "ferro-" and "silite" to indicate a specific mineral within the silicate group that contains iron as a significant component.
