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, amorphous or microcrystalline structure, and a yellowish-brown streak.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Limonite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 4-5.5 on the Mohs scale, yellowish-brown to dark brown color, submetallic to earthy luster, amorphous or microcrystalline structure, and a yellowish-brown streak.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the oxidation and weathering of iron-bearing minerals and rocks, frequently accumulating in sedimentary environments, bog iron deposits, and gossans.
Uses & applications
Historically used as a pigment (ochre) and utilized as a minor ore of iron.
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 in the field by its characteristic yellowish-brown streak and earthy, botryoidal, or stalactitic forms; found globally in weathered iron deposits.
More like this
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