phosphorite

[ fos-fuh-rahyt ]

noun

1. a sedimentary rock sufficiently rich in phosphate minerals to be used as a source of phosphorus for fertilizers.

phosphorite

/ ˌfɒsfəˈrɪtɪk; ˈfɒsfəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a fibrous variety of the mineral apatite
2. any of various mineral deposits that consist mainly of calcium phosphate

Derived Forms

• phosphoritic, adjective

Other Words From

• phos·pho·rit·ic [fos-f, uh, -, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphorite¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; phosphor- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Located in a mountainous area of Guizhou province in southwestern China, Qiannan is known for phosphorite, black sticky rice and delicious quail.

From Wall Street Journal

He was desirous of observing the effects of the numerous changes that have taken place in that country since the death of Ferdinand; and he, at the same time, thought that his assistance and previous knowledge of the country and people, would be useful to a scientific friend, Dr Daubeny, who had been commissioned by the Agricultural Society to examine the formation of phosphorite in Estremadura.

From Project Gutenberg

On these the travellers reach Logrosan, where is situate the vein of phosphorite that it was one of the objects of their journey to visit.

From Project Gutenberg

This apatite, or phosphorite, is found in certain parts of the world in large masses; but as a rule, it only occurs in small quantities in most rocks.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, the solubility of Thomas-slag in citrate of ammonia was found by Professor Wagner to be no less than 74 per cent, while that of phosphorite only amounted to 4 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg