Limonite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Malchen53" title="User:Malchen53">Malchen53</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameLimonite
Chemical FormulaFeO(OH)·nH₂O (variable)
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lusterdull
Streak Coloryellowish-brown
Cleavagenone
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.5
Colorsbrown, yellowish-brown, dark brown
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityKirchloh near Brilon, Germany
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesiron ore, pigment
Associated Mineralsgoethite, hematite, quartz, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
A large, irregular mass of dark brown to reddish-brown material, heavily covered in moss and surrounded by green foliage. Its surface appears rough and earthy, typical of a weathered iron ore deposit.
Geological Context
Limonite is a secondary mineral formed from the weathering and oxidation of iron-bearing minerals, often found in bog iron deposits, gossans, and as a cementing agent in sedimentary rocks like the Corallian Limestone mentioned in the metadata.
