mineral
Limonite
FeO(OH)·nH2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 4 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Brown, yellowish-brown, or yellow-ochre. Luster: Earthy, submetallic, or silky. Crystal structure: Amorphous (typically occurs as concretionary, mammillary, or earthy masses). Streak: Yellowish-brown.
- Hardness
- 4 to 5
- Color
- Brown, yellowish-brown, or yellow-ochre
- Luster
- Earthy, submetallic, or silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Brown, yellowish-brown, or yellow-ochre. Luster: Earthy, submetallic, or silky. Crystal structure: Amorphous (typically occurs as concretionary, mammillary, or earthy masses). Streak: Yellowish-brown.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a secondary mineral resulting from the oxidation and weathering of various iron-bearing minerals, often in sedimentary environments, bogs, and gossans overlying sulfide deposits.
Uses & applications
Historically used as an iron ore and pigment (ochre). Today primarily found in mineral collections and educational kits.
Geological facts
Limonite is not a single distinct mineral, but rather a mixture of related hydrated iron oxide-hydroxide minerals, most notably goethite, lepidocrocite, and jarosite.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its characteristic yellowish-brown streak and earthy appearance. Found worldwide, especially in weathered iron ore deposits.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary