mineral
Limonite
FeO(OH)·nH2O
Hardness: 4 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: yellowish-brown, brown, to dark brown. Luster: earthy, submetallic, or silky. Crystal structure: amorphous (usually massive, botryoidal, or stalactitic habits). Cleavage: none. Specific gravity: 2.7 to 4.3.
- Hardness
- 4 to 5
- Color
- yellowish-brown, brown, to dark brown
- Luster
- earthy, submetallic, or silky
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: 4 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: yellowish-brown, brown, to dark brown. Luster: earthy, submetallic, or silky. Crystal structure: amorphous (usually massive, botryoidal, or stalactitic habits). Cleavage: none. Specific gravity: 2.7 to 4.3.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a secondary mineral resulting from the oxidation and weathering of iron-bearing minerals, commonly found in gossans and sedimentary iron deposits.
Uses & applications
Historically used as a low-grade iron ore, as a yellow pigment (ochre), and collected as a mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Limonite is not a true single mineral species, but rather a mixture of related hydrated iron oxides, most commonly goethite and lepidocrocite.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its characteristic yellowish-brown to brownish streak and earthy appearance. Found globally where iron deposits undergo weathering.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral