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siderite

1. (Science: chemical) carbonate of iron, an important ore of iron occuring generally in cleavable masses, but also in rhombohedral crystals. It is of a light yellowish brown colour. Called also sparry iron, spathic iron. A meteorite consisting solely of metallic iron.

An indigo-blue variety of quartz.

Formerly, magnetic iron ore, or loadstone.

2. (Science: botany) Any plant of the genus Sideritis; ironwort.

Origin: L. Sideritis loadstone, Gr, of iron, from iron.