7. Glossary

Archean

Geological period extending from 4,031 million years ago to 2,500 million years ago.

BIF

Banded Iron Formations, also known as banded iron formations, banded iron deposits, BIFs or itabirites. These sedimentary rocks are very rich in iron (at least 15%). They account for 90% of the world's mined iron ore.

Chromatography

Technique for separating chemical substances (homogeneous liquid or gaseous mixture) based on differences in behavior between a common mobile phase and a stationary phase.

Craton, cratonic

Continental area corresponding to a formerly consolidated zone of the lithosphere.

Dolerite

Dense, hard, massive, finely grained...