Definition of mineralogy
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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of mineralogy from the Web
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Trends in rhyolite geochemistry, mineralogy, and magma storage during the last 50 kyr at Okataina and Taupo volcanic centres, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mineralogy'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of mineralogy
probably from New Latin *mineralogia, irregular from Medieval Latin minerale + Latin -logia -logy
First Known Use: 1661
MINERALOGY Defined for English Language Learners
mineralogy
playDefinition of mineralogy for English Language Learners
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: the scientific study of minerals
Learn More about mineralogy
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Spanish Central: Translation of mineralogy Nglish: Translation of mineralogy for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mineralogy
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