phosphorite

American  

[fos-fuh-rahyt] / ˈfɒs fəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a sedimentary rock sufficiently rich in phosphate minerals to be used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizers.

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phosphorite British  

/ ˌfɒsfəˈrɪtɪk, ˈfɒsfəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a fibrous variety of the mineral apatite

2. any of various mineral deposits that consist mainly of calcium phosphate

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Other Word Forms

• phosphoritic adjective

Etymology

Origin of phosphorite

First recorded in 1790–1800; phosphor- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

This apatite, or phosphorite, is found in certain parts of the world in large masses; but as a rule, it only occurs in small quantities in most rocks.

From Manures and the principles of manuring by Aikman, Charles Morton

Phosphate of lime, in the forms of apatite, phosphorite, coprolite, &c., is largely mined.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

We have already referred in Chapter V. to large deposits of apatite or phosphorite found in Canada.

From Manures and the principles of manuring by Aikman, Charles Morton

Now, the solubility of Thomas-slag in citrate of ammonia was found by Professor Wagner to be no less than 74 per cent, while that of phosphorite only amounted to 4 per cent.

From Manures and the principles of manuring by Aikman, Charles Morton

On these the travellers reach Logrosan, where is situate the vein of phosphorite that it was one of the objects of their journey to visit.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 57, No. 352, February 1845 by Various