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.

Nearby words

hematin, hematin chloride, hematine, hematinemia, hematinic, hematite, hemato-, hematoblast, hematocele, hematocephaly, hematochezia

Origin of hematite

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

Related formshe·ma·tit·ic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for hematite

The or-moulu colouring is a mixture of hematite, alum, and sea salt.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
There is also a small amount of hematite, pyroxene and sericite.
The Long Labrador Trail|Dillon Wallace
Of the English ores, the common Lancashire hematite produces the best iron.
The Mosaic History of the Creation of the World|Thomas Wood
A vein of hematite of a peculiarly fine character was discovered in 1866 at Garleton Hill, and wrought for some years.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7|Various

A mixture of the hematite and magnetic gives a metal superior, in every respect, to any that England can produce.
The Seat of Empire|Charles Carleton Coffin

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 Formshematitic or haematitic (ˌhɛməˈtɪtɪk, ˌhiː-), adjective

Word Origin for hematite

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hematite

hematite

1540s, haematites, from Middle French hematite (16c.), from Latin haematites, from Greek haimatites lithos "bloodlike stone," from haima (genitive haimatos) "blood" (see -emia). Earlier as emachite (late 14c.).

Science definitions for hematite

hematite

[ hē′mə-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.