Sid"er*ite, n. [L. sideritis loadstone, Gr. , , of iron, from iron.]
1. Min. (a)
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 color. Called also sparry iron, spathic iron.
(b)
A meteorite consisting solely of metallic iron.
(c)
An indigo-blue variety of quartz.
(d)
Formerly, magnetic iron ore, or loadstone.
2. Bot.
Any plant of the genus Sideritis; ironwort.
© Webster 1913.