Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mineral form of iron oxide: Haematite is the principal ore of iron, consisting primarily of ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) in a crystalline form. It is a major source of iron for steel production.
   • A reddish mineral: It commonly occurs in a reddish-brown, earthy form, but can also have a metallic gray appearance in its crystalline state. Its red color is a distinguishing characteristic.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The hills were rich with deposits of haematite. (The hills contained abundant deposits of this iron ore mineral.)
  • The red color of the soil is due to the presence of haematite. (The soil's red hue is caused by this mineral.)

Advanced Usage

• "Specular haematite": Refers to a variety with a shiny, metallic gray luster and a smooth surface.
  • The museum displayed a beautiful sample of specular haematite.
• In geological contexts: Used to describe rock formations, ore bodies, or sedimentary layers where this mineral is a major component.
  • The banded iron formations are composed largely of haematite and chert.

Variants and Related Words

• Hematite: The standard American English spelling of the word.
  • Hematite is often used in jewelry as polished beads.
• Ferric oxide: The chemical compound (Fe₂O₃) that constitutes haematite.
• Iron ore: The general category of rocks and minerals from which iron is extracted; haematite is a primary type.

Synonyms

• Iron oxide ore: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its composition and economic use.
• Red iron ore: A common name highlighting its characteristic color in its earthy form.

Related Idioms or Phrases

(This term is a specific scientific/mineralogical noun and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.)

Noun

1. the principal form of iron ore; consists of ferric oxide in crystalline form; occurs in a red earthy form