mineralogy

noun

min·​er·​al·​o·​gy ˌmi-nə-ˈrä-lə-jē How to pronounce mineralogy (audio) -ˈra- How to pronounce mineralogy (audio)
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 adjective
or less commonly mineralogic
mineralogically adverb

Examples of mineralogy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The building will consolidate the 6 million items currently part of the Cincinnati Museum Center's multiple collections, including vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, zoology, mineralogy, archaeology, history objects, fine art, manuscripts, moving images and photographs. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Here, the rover’s chemistry and mineralogy instrument has discovered lots of the iron-rich carbonate mineral siderite. Elisabeth M. Hausrath, The Conversation, 6 May 2025 Ellen Dupuy, the new community relations manager, became a volunteer after coming into the center to drop off flyers for a gem and mineralogy society. Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mineralogy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mineralogy was in 1661

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mineralogy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineralogy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

mineralogy

noun
min·​er·​al·​o·​gy ˌmin-ə-ˈräl-ə-jē How to pronounce mineralogy (audio) -ˈral- How to pronounce mineralogy (audio)
: a science dealing with the characteristics and classification of minerals
mineralogical adjective
mineralogically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mineralogy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!