ferromagnesianadj.
/ˌfɛrəʊmaɡˈniːʃn/, /ˌfɛrəʊmaɡˈniːʒn/, /ˌfɛrəʊmaɡˈniːzɪən/, U.S. /ˌfɛroʊˌmæɡˈniʒ(ə)n/, /ˌfɛroʊˌmæɡˈniʃ(ə)n/ Geology.
Of a mineral or rock: containing iron and magnesium as major components. Also: of or relating to such minerals or rocks.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral sources > [adjective] > yielding a mineral or metal > iron > and magnesium
ferromagnesian1827
1827 J. L. Comstock Elements Mineral. 105 (heading) Ferro-magnesian carbonate of lime.
1890 Nature 20 Mar. 469/1 This gradual transition from a more ferro-magnesian character near the centre to a more alumino-alkaline one near the surface.
1902 H. A. Miers Mineral. ii. 471 Biotite (Ferro-magnesian Mica)..may..be regarded as a ferriferous phlogopite.
1944 A. Holmes Princ. Physical Geol. iv. 42 Rocks in which olivine is the most abundant mineral (generally in association with other ferromagnesian minerals) are called peridotite.
2003 M. Widdowson in N. McBride & I. Gilmour Introd. Solar Syst. (2004) ii. 46 Ferromagnesian minerals are generally less common in the continental crust than in the ocean crust.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1827