mineralogy

noun

min·​er·​al·​o·​gy ˌmi-nə-ˈrä-lə-jē  -ˈra- 

1

: a science dealing with minerals, their crystallography, properties, classification, and the ways of distinguishing them

2

: the mineralogical characteristics of an area, a rock, or a rock formation

mineralogical

ˌmi-nə-rə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

ˌmin-rə-

adjective

or less commonly mineralogic

ˌmi-nə-rə-ˈlä-jik 

ˌmin-rə-

mineralogically

ˌmi-nə-rə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

ˌmin-rə-

adverb

mineralogist

ˌmi-nə-ˈrä-lə-jist  -ˈra- 

noun

Examples of mineralogy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By combining insights from geophysical fluid mechanics, exoplanetary atmospheres, and mineralogy, the study reveals how the intense internal dynamics and shifting compositions of these exotic worlds likely unfolds over time. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2025

However, its mineralogy includes chromium-rich pyroxene containing approximately 1 percent iron. —Ben Rider-Stokes, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025

Both meteorites share similar mineralogy with what scientists have predicted about the planet’s crust, Rider-Stokes says in a statement. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2025

Diversity probably means more complex mineralogy and more complex chemistry, which could mean a more habitable environment, says Valantinas. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from New Latin *mineralogia, irregular from Medieval Latin minerale + Latin -logia -logy

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mineralogy

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

mineralogy

noun

min·​er·​al·​o·​gy ˌmin-ə-ˈräl-ə-jē  -ˈral- 

: a science dealing with the characteristics and classification of minerals

mineralogical

ˌmin-(ə-)rə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

mineralogically

-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

mineralogist

ˌmin-ə-ˈräl-ə-jəst  -ˈral- 

noun