forsterite

[ fawr-stuh-rahyt ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

1. the magnesium end member, Mg 2 SiO 4 , of the olivine group.

forsterite

/ ˈfɔːstəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a white, yellow, or green mineral of the olivine group consisting of magnesium silicate. Formula: Mg 2 SiO 4

forsterite

/ fôr′stə-rīt′ /

1. See under olivine

Word History and Origins

Origin of forsterite¹

1815–25; named after J. R. Forster (1729–98), German naturalist; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of forsterite¹

C19: named after J. R. Forster (1729–98), German naturalist

Example Sentences

Thomas, C. W. & Asimow, P. D. Direct shock compression experiments on premolten forsterite and progress toward a consistent high-pressure equation of state for CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-FeO liquids.

From Nature

It also sees perchlorates in the soil - they're most likely covering the planet - and as well, the presence of the mineral forsterite also suggests very limited liquid water.

From BBC

It was the crew of Apollo 15 who first found green olivine — specifically, a magnesium-rich variety that goes by the name forsterite, which is also the kind that was spotted by Spitzer.

From Time

But that's not a problem if the forsterite wasn't created there at all.

From Time

The existence of forsterite in a star like HOPS-68 is not entirely without precedent; the crystals have been found in the vicinity of young stars before, but never so high up — and never behaving like rain before.

From Time