Ore: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.

• The mine is rich in iron ore
• They found a vein of silver ore

Refers to a naturally occurring substance that is usually solid and inorganic, and which has a crystal structure due to its chemical composition.

• Quartz is a common mineral found in many types of rocks
• The mineral content of this water provides health benefits

Refers to a naturally occurring substance composed of minerals and other materials, forming the Earth's crust. It is often used in a more general sense compared to 'ore' or 'mineral'.

• The Grand Canyon is famous for its impressive rock formations
• This type of rock contains traces of mica and quartz

Used in geological context to refer to a natural layer, body, or accumulation of a mineral that occurs in the earth. It can also be used in a broader context to mean any accumulation or pool, such as 'oil deposit'.

• The gold deposit in this area is estimated to be worth millions
• Scientists discovered a large deposit of methane hydrate under the ocean floor

Typically used in a general sense to refer to naturally occurring mineral from which metals or valuable minerals can be profitably extracted.

• The miners discovered a large deposit of iron ore

A general term used to describe a naturally occurring substance with a definite chemical composition, often used in scientific and educational contexts.

• Quartz is a common mineral found in many types of rocks

Used to refer to a natural accumulation of minerals or other geological materials, often found in a specific area or layer.

• The geologists found a rich deposit of gold in the riverbed

Refers specifically to a rich source of a mineral or metal found in a well-defined zone or vein, often used in geology and mining.

• The miners followed the silver lode deep into the mountains

This term is often used in the mining and geology fields to describe a natural rock or sediment that contains valuable minerals. It's not typically used in everyday conversation.

• The engineers found a rich ore deposit in the mountains.
• Processing ore can be expensive and time-consuming.

Commonly used when referring to the process of removing something from a larger whole by a specific method or technique. It is more formal and technical than 'dig'.

• The doctors need to extract a sample of tissue for testing.
• It is difficult to extract gold from this type of ore.

This is a verb and noun used in the context of obtaining minerals, coal, or other resources from the earth. It is often used in professional and industrial settings.

• The company plans to mine for copper in this region.
• The old mine was shut down due to safety concerns.

Use this word when talking about the physical action of making a hole in the ground using hands, tools, or machines. It is a common term in everyday language.

• The children decided to dig a hole in the backyard to plant a tree.
• Workers need to dig through layers of soil to install the new water pipes.