Classification of Limonite |
| IMA status: | Not Approved |
|---|
| Explanation of status: | It is a generic term used for undifferentiated hydrated iron oxides - often hydrated goethite. |
|---|
| mindat.org URL: | http://www.mindat.org/min-2402.html Please feel free to link to this page. |
|---|
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. |
|---|
Physical Properties of Limonite |
| Lustre: | Earthy |
|---|
| Diaphaneity (Transparency): | Opaque |
|---|
| Colour: | Light brown to brown, may be yellowish-brown |
|---|
| Streak: | Yellowish brown to red |
|---|
| Hardness (Mohs): | 4 - 5½ |
|---|
| Comment: | Massive may be very soft. |
|---|
| Density (measured): | 2.7 - 4.3 g/cm3 |
|---|
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. |
|---|
Chemical Properties of Limonite |
| Formula: | |
|---|
| Essential elements: | Fe, H, O |
|---|
| All elements listed in formula: | Fe, H, O |
|---|
| Analyical 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... |
|---|
Other Names for Limonite |
| Synonyms: | |
|---|
| Other Languages: | |
|---|
| Varieties: | |
|---|
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. |
|---|
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.
|
|---|
Articles/Blogs about Limonite |
Internet Links for Limonite |
| Search Engines: |
Look for Limonite on Google
Look for Limonite images on Google |
|---|
| Mineral Dealers: | Rare and Unusual minerals at Mineralogical Research CompanyMineral Classics - Worldwide Collector Quality Minerals and GemsSearch for - Limonite - on e-Rocks Mineral Sales & AuctionsSearch for Limonite on minvision.comWright's Rock Shop - excellent mineral specimens since 1970Top quality minerals from Kristalle of CaliforniaThe Arkenstone - Fine Mineralsrare and unusual minerals mainly crystallizedBuy fine minerals and gemstones from Pala InternationalBuy from David K Joyce mineralsBuy Fine Minerals from mineralsweb.comHigh-end worldwide specimens & outstanding customer service |
|---|
| Jobs: | Mining & Geology Jobs |
|---|
Page Sponsor |
| Sponsorship: | This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page. |
|---|
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. These maps work faster with Firefox!
|