EarthWord – Ore

EarthWords is an on-going series in which we shed some light on the complicated, often difficult-to-pronounce language of science. Think of us as your terminology tour-guides, and meet us back here every week for a new word!

Definition:

• The naturally occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of economic value can be extracted. Usually minerals, especially metals, are mined first in ore form, then refined later.

Etymology:

• Ore is the result of the merging of two Old English words: ora, meaning “unworked metal,” and ar, meaning “brass,” “copper,” or “bronze.”

Use/Significance in the Earth Science Community:

• Ores, and the minerals that are extracted from them, are quite important to the earth science community, and to you too, if you enjoy any sort of modern technology. They are a major source of the vast majority of our mineral commodities, from iron to aluminum to platinum. Smartphones, buildings, cars, and even hoverboards would not be possible without ores.

USGS Use:

• USGS, through its Mineral Resources Program, studies the formation and occurrence of ores in the United States and throughout the world. In addition, the USGS National Minerals Information Center keeps track of the domestic and global industry of some ores, particularly metal ores.

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