forsterite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequency (Specialized)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “forsterite” mean?
A magnesium-rich silicate mineral (Mg₂SiO₄) that is a member of the olivine group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A magnesium-rich silicate mineral (Mg₂SiO₄) that is a member of the olivine group.
A transparent to translucent mineral, often found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks and in some meteorites, which can be used as a refractory material and gemstone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in usage, spelling, or meaning.
Connotations
None. Purely technical.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “forsterite” in a Sentence
[Forsterite] + is found in + [rock type][Sample] contains + [quantity] + of forsteriteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forsterite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The forsteritic composition of the olivine was confirmed.
American English
- The forsteritic olivine crystals were analysed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in contexts of mining, gem trade, or refractory materials manufacturing.
Academic
Exclusively used in earth sciences, planetary science, and materials science publications and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Unknown to the general public.
Technical
The primary context. Used to specify mineral composition in geology, mineralogy, and ceramics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forsterite”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forsterite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forsterite”
- Spelling: 'fo**r**sterite' (not 'fo**s**terite')
- Pronunciation: stressing the second syllable incorrectly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Forsterite is the magnesium-rich end-member of the olivine solid solution series, which ranges from forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) to fayalite (Fe₂SiO₄).
In ultramafic rocks like dunite and peridotite, in some meteorites, and as a refractory material in industrial settings.
Yes. The gemstone peridot is a gem-quality variety of olivine that is often forsterite-rich.
It was named in 1824 after the German naturalist and mineral collector, Adolarius Jacob Forster.
A magnesium-rich silicate mineral (Mg₂SiO₄) that is a member of the olivine group.
Forsterite is usually technical/scientific in register.
Forsterite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːstəˌrʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔrstəˌraɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOR STERling silver rings, you might need a magnesium-rich mineral like FORSTERITE for the gem.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Technical term)
Practice
Quiz
Forsterite is best described as: