goethite

noun

goe·​thite ˈgər-ˌtīt How to pronounce goethite (audio)
ˈgə-
: a common brown mineral that consists of an iron hydrogen oxide and is the commonest constituent of many forms of natural rust

Examples of goethite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The discharge anecdotally appears to deepen in color over the course of the summer, and historical accounts describe a yellowish-orange color to the outflow fan that has been attributed to goethite or magnetite. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 July 2023 Fahrenheit, yellow ochre’s crystal structure changes and the goethite can transform into hematite, or red ochre. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2018 But a range of other rocks appear in the archaeological record, from the yellow ochre goethite to the often-dramatic specular hematite, sometimes called specularite. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 23 Mar. 2018 To complicate matters even more, when heated to at least 480 degrees Fahrenheit, yellow ochre’s crystal structure changes and the goethite can transform into hematite, or red ochre. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 23 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'goethite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Göthit, from J. W. von Goethe

First Known Use

circa 1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goethite was circa 1823

Dictionary Entries Near goethite

Cite this Entry

“Goethite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goethite. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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