Ferriite

Ferriite is a name that has appeared in some mineralogical and geological texts, but it is not recognized as a distinct mineral species by major official bodies such as the International Mineralogical Association. As a result, there is no universally accepted chemical formula, crystal structure, or set of diagnostic properties for ferriite.

In practice, the term ferriite may be encountered as a historical or informal label for materials that contain iron, or as a misnomer for ferrite-related materials used in industry. Because the name has not been formalized, its exact meaning can vary between sources, and it is not included in standard mineral catalogs or databases as a defined mineral species.

The potential origin of the name is linguistic, combining ferrum (the Latin word for iron) with the common mineral-name suffix -ite. This pattern is typical for minerals, but it does not guarantee that ferriite denotes a distinct, crystallographically characterized phase.

Ferriite should not be confused with established iron-bearing minerals and compounds, such as magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeOOH), fayalite (Fe2SiO4), or various ferrites used in ceramics and electronics. When the term appears in literature, it is advisable to consult the original source for context, as ferriite may reflect an informal name, a locality-based designation, or a misidentification rather than a formally recognized mineral.

See also: ferrite, magnetite, hematite, fayalite, ilmenite.