gossan

American  

[gos-uhn, goz-] / ˈgɒs ən, ˈgɒz- /

noun

1. a rust-colored deposit of mineral matter at the outcrop of a vein or orebody containing iron-bearing materials.

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Etymology

Origin of gossan

First recorded in 1770–80; originally dialect (Cornwall), from Cornish, derivative of gōs “blood”; akin to Welsh gwaed

Example Sentences

What is left is either iron oxide, "gossan," or the oxides of the other metals.

From Getting Gold: a practical treatise for prospectors, miners and students by Johnson, J. C. F. (Joseph Colin Frances)

It was a "gossan" wig, as we call it in our parts; a wig grown yellow and rusty with age and wear.

From Noughts and Crosses Stories, Studies and Sketches by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

The abundance of iron oxide thus left explains the name "iron cap" or "gossan" so often applied to the upper part of the oxide zone.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

All this gossan and porphyry, and that copper stain up there–and just look at that dacite cap!”

From Silver and Gold A Story of Luck and Love in a Western Mining Camp by Coolidge, Dane

I have tried a further adaptation of this process when treating ores containing a large percentage of iron oxide, where the bulk of the gold is impalpably fine, and contained in the "gossan."

From Getting Gold: a practical treatise for prospectors, miners and students by Johnson, J. C. F. (Joseph Colin Frances)