forsterite

noun

for·​ster·​ite

ˈfȯ(r)stəˌrīt

plural -s

: a mineral consisting of magnesian olivine

specifically : magnesium silicate Mg₂SiO₄ constituting the essential component of some refractories

Word History

Etymology

Johann R. Forster †1798 German traveler + English -ite

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