Definition of kidney iron ore

Hi,

I noticed an error on the glossary page for definition of kidney iron ore:

[www.mindat.org]

It says that it is a synonym of Nephrite.

I am only a young Geo, but that doesn't seem right to me, I hope I'm not wrong!

Cheers

Jason Bennett

Jason,

Kidney stone or kidney ore is indeed a synonym for nephrite. Derived from the ancient Greek νεφρός (nephros) which means "kidney" it has been named such because of its similarity in color and texture from some localities to raw kidney. Its Latin name was “Lapis Nephriticus”.

However the link is better placed from “Synonym” to the “See also” section, which I have now edited.

Branko

Nephrite has nothing to do with "kidney iron ore" however!

Link removed.

You weren't wrong Jason; "kidney stone" and "kidney ore" are two completely different minerals all-together.
Good catch!!

Thanks guys!

It is interesting to learn the etymology of nephrite! The only dealing I have had with it is the NZ nephrite jade, I have never seen 'kidney nephrite' before!

Seeming as I am working in Iron Ore at the moment, one would hope that I would know the difference between hematite and nephrite. That said, I was completely stumped when I found some small (1mm-ish) tabular orthorhombic (or tetragonal, to hard to determine from small crystals) black/brown crystals. Not magnetic, had to crush one with the sratchy magnet pen to identify, and it turned out to be goethite! That was new for me!

I will start to take photos of the nice crystalline material I found around the Pilbara and (if I'm allowed) start uploading them. There are not enough photos of Australian rust!

Our glossary did not have Kidney Ore as a term. I added the one from the old 1968 Dictionary of Mining, Mineral and Related Terms.

Kidney Ore or kidney iron ore:
A reinform, kidney-shaped structural variety of an iron ore mineral aggregate, generally hematite. The internal structure of the kidney-shaped nodules is usually concentric or radiating. [United States Bureau of Mines Staff.]

It would be very handy if we could, when we are editing the glossary/dictionary to see all the terms just above and below the one we are working on. I think it would help prevent mistakes.

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/18/2012 09:30AM by Rock Currier.

There is a prev/next button on the glossary page.

Dave, This glossary page? I must be going blind. I can't find it.



Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.

The bottom row of the lavender box
Prev: Kidney Iron Ore : Glossary Search: Edit: Add New Item: Next Kidney sulfur

Jason, we would welcome more photos and locations from the Pilbara or anywhere in W.A.

Regards,
Ralph

I lost my glasses and found them sitting on my nose. Thanks as usual for your patience.

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.