Classification of Limonite |
| IMA status: | Not Approved |
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| Explanation of status: | It is a generic term used for undifferentiated hydrated iron oxides - often hydrated goethite. |
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| mindat.org URL: | http://www.mindat.org/min-2402.html
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Occurrences of Limonite |
| Geological Setting: | A very common material in the oxidized zones of iron-bearing deposits, it is produced by the decomposition of many iron minerals, particularly pyrite, with water being retained in varying amounts. |
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Physical Properties of Limonite |
| Lustre: | Earthy |
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| Diaphaneity (Transparency): | Opaque |
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| Colour: | Light brown to brown, may be yellowish-brown |
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| Streak: | Yellowish brown to red |
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| Hardness (Mohs): | 4 - 5½ |
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| Comment: | Massive may be very soft. |
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| Density (measured): | 2.7 - 4.3 g/cm3 |
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Crystallography of Limonite |
| Morphology: | While "limonite" is amorphous, a number of minerals are noted for decomposing to it without losing their crystal shape - particularly pyrite crystals. Any "crystals" of "limonite" are actually pseudomorphs of other minerals which have decomposed in this fashion. |
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Chemical Properties of Limonite |
| Formula: | |
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| Essential elements: | Fe, H, O |
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| All elements listed in formula: | Fe, H, O |
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| Analytical Data: | While a "generic" formula is often given as stated here, "limonite" is really quite variable in composition - both in its levels of hydration and hydroxylation and in its cationic content. There really is no formual for it... |
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Other Names for Limonite |
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Other Information |
| Health Warning: | No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care. |
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References for Limonite |
Reference List:
- + | Palache, Charles, Harry Berman & Clifford Frondel (1944), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana Yale University 1837-1892, Seventh edition, Volume I: 685-686.
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Mindat.org articles about Limonite |
| Article entries: | |
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Internet Links for Limonite |
| Search Engines: |
Look for Limonite on Google
Look for Limonite images on Google |
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| Mineral Dealers: | Buy fine minerals and gemstones from Pala InternationalSearch for Limonite on Well-Arranged MoleculesThe Arkenstone - Fine Mineralsrare and unusual minerals mainly crystallizedSpiriferMinerals.com - high quality low pricesFine and rare minerals from mintreasure.comFabre Minerals - search for Limonite specimensFine Minerals from Weinrich Minerals, Inc.Buy from David K Joyce mineralsBuy RARE Minerals from Rocks of AfricaMineral Classics - Worldwide Collector Quality Minerals and GemsTop quality minerals from Kristalle of California |
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| Specimens: | The following Limonite specimens are currently listed for sale on minfind.com. |
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| Jobs: | Mining & Geology Jobs |
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Localities for Limonite |
The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the  symbol to view information about a locality.
The symbol next to localities in the list
can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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