Ironstone: meaning, definitions and examples
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ironstone
[ ˈaɪərnˌstoʊn ]
type of rock
Ironstone is a sedimentary rock that contains a significant amount of iron, usually in the form of iron oxide. This type of rock is often used in the production of iron and steel, making it an important material in various industries. Its presence in geological formations can indicate the past environmental conditions of an area. The composition and appearance of ironstone can vary significantly, leading to different subtypes classified by their iron content.
Synonyms
ferrous stone, ferruginous rock, iron-rich sediment
Examples of usage
- The quarry was rich in ironstone, attracting miners from all over.
- Ironstone formations can be found in many parts of the world.
- Geologists study ironstone to understand ancient marine environments.
Translations
Translations of the word "ironstone" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ferrostone
🇮🇳 आयरनस्टोन
🇩🇪 Eisenstein
🇮🇩 batu besi
🇺🇦 залізняк
🇵🇱 żelazo
🇯🇵 鉄鉱石
🇫🇷 pierre de fer
🇪🇸 piedra de hierro
🇹🇷 demir taşı
🇰🇷 철광석
🇸🇦 حجر حديدي
🇨🇿 železná skála
🇸🇰 železný kameň
🇨🇳 铁矿石
🇸🇮 železni kamen
🇮🇸 járnsteinn
🇰🇿 темір тас
🇬🇪 რკინის ქვა
🇦🇿 dəmir daş
🇲🇽 piedra de hierro
Etymology
The term 'ironstone' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the combination of 'iron,' which has Old English roots, and 'stone,' which comes from the Proto-Germanic *stainaz. Iron itself has been utilized since ancient times, with evidence of its use dating back to around 3000 BC. The discovery of ironstone deposits facilitated the industrialization of iron and steel production, especially during the 19th century. As demand for iron increased for railways and construction, the term ironstone became a significant part of geological and industrial terminology, reflecting its importance in resource extraction and manufacturing.