How Do You Spell SPHEROSIDERITE?

Pronunciation: [sfˈɛɹəsˌɪdɪɹˌa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Spherosiderite is a mineral that is composed of iron, magnesium, and carbonates. The word is spelled as [sfeˈroʊsɪdəraɪt] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "sfer", with a short e sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "o", with a long o sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "raɪt", with a long i sound. The spelling of the word is derived from its Greek origin, "sphaira" meaning "a ball" and "sideros" meaning "iron", referring to the mineral's spherical shape and iron content.

SPHEROSIDERITE Meaning and Definition

1. Spherosiderite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate group. It is composed of iron carbonate with the chemical formula FeCO3. The name "spherosiderite" is derived from the Greek words "sphaira," meaning sphere, and "sideros," meaning iron, due to its spherical crystal habit and high iron content.

   This mineral typically occurs as small, rounded nodules or spheroids within sedimentary rocks and ore deposits. It is mainly formed through the precipitation of iron-rich solutions in the presence of carbonate ions. Spherosiderite is commonly found in association with other iron minerals like siderite, ankerite, and magnetite.

   Spherosiderite has a distinctive brownish-yellow, ochre, or reddish-brown color, with a vitreous to slightly resinous luster. It has a hardness of about 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Its specific gravity ranges from 3.8 to 4.0.

   Due to its high iron content, spherosiderite has been historically used as an ore of iron. However, it is not a widely exploited source of iron due to its limited abundance and the presence of more economically viable iron ores. It is primarily valued for its aesthetic appeal and is sought after by mineral collectors. Spherosiderite can exhibit a variety of interesting crystal habits and often forms attractive botryoidal or concentrically layered structures.

2. See phaerosiderite, under sphaereda.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SPHEROSIDERITE

• apherosiderite
• zpherosiderite
• xpherosiderite
• dpherosiderite
• epherosiderite
• wpherosiderite
• soherosiderite
• slherosiderite
• s-herosiderite
• s0herosiderite
• spgerosiderite
• spberosiderite
• spnerosiderite
• spjerosiderite
• spuerosiderite
• spyerosiderite
• sphwrosiderite
• sphsrosiderite
• sphdrosiderite
• sphrrosiderite

Etymology of SPHEROSIDERITE

The word "spherosiderite" derives from the combination of two Greek roots: "sphaira", meaning 'sphere,' and "sideros", meaning 'iron.'

"Sphera" refers to a round or spherical object, while "sideros" specifically denotes the element iron. Therefore, the term "spherosiderite" essentially translates to "spherical iron".

In the context of minerals, spherosiderite refers to a variety of siderite that occurs in the form of round or globular-shaped clusters.