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

Researchers compared its mineralogy and chemistry with observations from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, identifying 13 possible locations in the planet’s southern highlands that could match its characteristics. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

Once safely returned to Earth, laboratory analysis of the Phobos samples will allow scientists to examine chemical composition and mineralogy with a precision beyond that of MMX's onboard instruments. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026

But Charnoz argues this may merely reflect how the cooling process sets the basic mineralogy of these primitive meteorites, followed by later processes, such as heating, evaporation or water circulation, giving the final touches to their mineralogy. — Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026

The Earth Science Club promotes interests in geology, paleontology, mineralogy and archaeology. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

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