siderophile element
Technical term in geology and chemistry for elements that tend to bond with metallic iron and are often found in Earth's core.
Gold and platinum are classified as siderophile elements.
Lithophile element; tends to bond with oxygen and is concentrated in Earth's crust and mantle, contrasting with siderophile elements that prefer iron.
Chalcophile element; tends to bond with sulfur and is often found in sulfide minerals, distinct from siderophile elements.
Compound of 親 (しん, 'affinity for') + 鉄 (てつ, 'iron') + 元素 (げんそ, 'element'). The term is a calque of English 'siderophile', from Greek 'sideros' (iron) + 'philos' (loving).