Jaspilite
/ˈdʒæs.pɪ.laɪt/noun
A banded iron formation composed chiefly of alternating layers of jasper or chert and iron oxides, especially hematite.
Did you know?Some jaspilite deposits formed when oxygen released by early photosynthetic life reacted with dissolved iron in ancient oceans, causing iron minerals to precipitate in dramatic bands.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἴασπις (íaspis)
“A variegated gemstone or spotted stone; the ultimate origin is uncertain, possibly transmitted through ancient Near Eastern languages.”
Classical Latin
Latin
iaspis
“Jasper, a colored or spotted ornamental stone.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
jaspre / jaspe
“Jasper, a hard, often multicolored decorative stone.”
14th Century
Middle English
jasper
“A hard opaque stone used ornamentally, derived through French from Latin.”
19th–20th Century
Scientific English
jaspilite
“A geological rock name formed from jasper plus the mineral or rock-forming suffix -ite, referring to a jasper-bearing iron formation.”
Modern English
English
jaspilite
“A banded iron formation containing alternating jasper or chert and iron-rich layers.”
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