mineral
Limonite
FeO(OH)·nH2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4-5.5 on the Mohs scale, yellowish-brown to dark brown color, submetallic to earthy luster, and amorphous crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 4-5.5 on the Mohs scale, yellowish-brown to dark brown color, submetallic to earthy luster, and amorphous crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary mineral resulting from the weathering and oxidation of various iron-bearing minerals in hydrothermal veins or sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Historically used as a low-grade iron ore and as a brownish-yellow pigment known as ochre.
Geological facts
Limonite is not a true distinct mineral species, but rather a mixture of related hydrated iron oxides like goethite and lepidocrocite.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic yellowish-brown streak; found worldwide in gossans above iron ore deposits.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous