Ferrugination

/fəˌruːdʒɪˈneɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of coating or becoming coated with rust or iron oxide; the formation of a rust-colored surface.

Etymology

From 'ferruginate' + '-tion' (noun suffix). The root comes from Latin 'ferrugo' (rust), which derives from 'ferrum' (iron).

Kelly Says

Ferrugination is a natural chemical process where iron reacts with oxygen and moisture—this same process has been happening for billions of years and is responsible for the rusty red color of Mars and the iron-rich rocks in Earth's crust.

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