ITABIRITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Itabirite is a type of metamorphosed iron formation that occurs primarily in Brazil. Itabirite is composed of iron oxides, predominantly hematite mixed with lesser amounts of magnetite, along with various silicate minerals such as quartz and other rock fragments. The term "itabirite" is derived from the Portuguese word "itabira," which means "plateau," as the rock formation is often found in extensive plateaus in Brazil.
Itabirite is characterized by its distinctive characteristic of being banded, with alternating layers of iron oxides and silicate minerals. These banded layers give itabirite a striped appearance, making it easily distinguishable from other rock types. The rock is typically medium to fine-grained and has a considerable hardness, making it suitable for iron ore extraction.
As itabirite contains a significant amount of iron ore, it is an important source of iron in Brazil's mining industry. The rock is commonly extracted through open-pit mining methods and is then processed to remove impurities and concentrate the iron content. Itabirite is highly sought after due to its high iron content, making it a valuable natural resource.
In addition to its economic significance, itabirite also has scientific importance. The rock formation provides a valuable record of Earth's geological history and can serve as a basis for studying the evolution of iron deposits and their associated mineralization processes. Furthermore, itabirite represents an important component of Brazil's natural heritage, playing a vital role in its mining industry and national economy.
Common Misspellings for ITABIRITE
- utabirite
- jtabirite
- ktabirite
- otabirite
- 9tabirite
- 8tabirite
- irabirite
- ifabirite
- igabirite
- iyabirite
- i6abirite
- i5abirite
- itzbirite
- itsbirite
- itwbirite
- itqbirite
- itavirite
- itanirite
- itahirite
- itagirite
Etymology of ITABIRITE
The word "itabirite" is derived from the Portuguese term "itabirito". The term "itabirito" comes from "itabira", which is a city located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Itabira is known for its large iron ore deposits consisting of an iron-rich rock called itabirite. Therefore, the term "itabirito" or "itabirite" refers to this specific type of iron-rich rock found in the region.
