mineral

Earthy iron-oxide-rich mineral coating (probable laterite/limonite)

Hydrated iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, chiefly goethite (FeO(OH)) and limonite (variable FeO(OH)·nH₂O), mixed with clay/sand

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rust-red to brown, dull earthy luster, fine-grained and porous; hardness roughly 4–5.5 for goethite, with no visible crystals or cleavage. The photographed material appears spread as a thin, possibly wet or coated aggregate rather than a solid hand specimen, so identification is provisional.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Earthy iron-oxide-rich mineral coating (probable laterite/limonite)
Scientific name: Hydrated iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, chiefly goethite (FeO(OH)) and limonite (variable FeO(OH)·nH₂O), mixed with clay/sand
Category: mineral
Identified: August 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$1–$10 for common material; $20–$50 for attractive crystalline specimens

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms by intense chemical weathering and oxidation of iron-bearing rocks, producing lateritic soil, ferruginous crusts, or gossan-like coatings. Such weathering is generally young compared with the host rock and is plausible in Yemen’s arid-to-seasonally weathered highlands near 15.4°N, 44.2°E.

Uses & applications

Used as an iron ore when sufficiently concentrated, natural pigment (ochre), and sometimes as a low-grade abrasive or collector specimen; generally little jewelry value.

Geological facts

Iron oxides commonly stain rocks and soil vivid red, orange, or brown. A red streak and attraction to a strong magnet, if present from associated magnetite, can help distinguish it from ordinary clay.

Field identification & locations

Likely regional lateritic/ferruginous sediment or weathering residue rather than a discrete crystal. Test streak on unglazed ceramic, hardness, density, and acid reaction; avoid relying on color alone. Estimated value: $1–$10 for common material, up to $20–$50 for attractive botryoidal or crystalline goethite.