mineral

Iron-rich hematite/goethite rock (ironstone)

Hematite (Fe₂O₃) with goethite/limonite (FeO(OH)·nH₂O), likely in a weathered ironstone matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray to black, earthy-to-submetallic luster with vivid orange-brown rust coatings; hardness about 5–6.5 (hematite) and 4–5.5 (goethite), non-cleavable, commonly massive and dense. A red-brown streak and attraction to a strong magnet would help distinguish it from slag or ordinary rock.

Identified September 11, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich hematite/goethite rock (ironstone)
Scientific name: Hematite (Fe₂O₃) with goethite/limonite (FeO(OH)·nH₂O), likely in a weathered ironstone matrix
Category: mineral
Identified: September 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a common hand specimen; $20–$100+ for unusually botryoidal, crystalline, or locality-labeled material.

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

Formed by oxidation and hydration of iron-bearing minerals, producing a weathering rind or gossan; iron formations and hydrothermal ore zones may range from Precambrian to much younger. The orange surface is mainly hydrated iron oxides.

Uses & applications

Used as iron ore and pigment; attractive pieces are collected, though this specimen is generally not gem quality.

Geological facts

Hematite gives a characteristic brick-red to reddish-brown streak even when the specimen appears black. Goethite-rich material commonly forms rusty, botryoidal or earthy coatings.

Field identification & locations

Common in iron-rich soils, banded iron formations, mine dumps, and oxidized sulfide deposits worldwide. Test streak on unglazed porcelain, density, and magnetism; avoid assuming orange color alone proves meteorite origin.