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Glite Dictionary
jarosite

jarosite

1 9.9
A yellowish-brown mineral of iron and sulfur found on rocks and soil, often showing that water was there before
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛrəˌsaɪt/
  • Specialized
: jarosita
  • The geologists were excited to discover jarosite in the soil samples, as it indicated the past presence of water.
  • jarosite, an iron sulfate

Examples

  • The geologist discovered jarosite in the sediment.

  • After years of exposure to air and moisture, the mine walls were coated with jarosite.

  • Scientists discovered a layer of jarosite on the Martian surface, suggesting the presence of water in the past.

  • The yellowish crust on the rocks was identified as jarosite by the geologist.

  • They found several jarosites during the excavation.

  • During their exploration, the researchers identified jarosite among the mineral deposits, suggesting ancient aqueous activity.

  • Finding jarosite on Mars was a significant indication that water once existed in that environment.

Surface Forms

jarosite singular
jarosites plural

Morphology

jarosite = jaros + ite

The name is formed from a place name element plus the mineral-forming suffix '-ite'; the base is not a recognizable English word, so the meaning is not inferable by typical learners.

Etymology

Jarosite comes from a place name in Spain, Jaroso, plus the common mineral ending -ite, so it literally means 'mineral from Jaroso'. Because jarosite is a yellowish-brown iron sulfate that forms when iron in rocks reacts with water and air, finding jarosite is a clear sign scientists look for to know water was once there.