mineral
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
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 compact masses.
- 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 compact masses.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a secondary mineral resulting from the weathering and oxidation of various iron-bearing minerals, commonly found in gossans, bog iron deposits, and sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Historically used as a low-grade iron ore and as a pigment (ochre) for paints and ceramics. Also collected as mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Limonite is not a single distinct mineral, but rather a mixture of related iron oxides and hydroxides, principally goethite, lepidocrocite, and jarosite.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic yellowish-brown streak. Found worldwide, particularly in weathered iron deposits and soil crusts.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
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Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
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Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
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