Siderite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameSiderite
Chemical FormulaFeCO₃
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral {1011}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.96
Colorsyellowish-brown, orange-brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBatère Mine (Pyrénées Orientales), France
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesminor iron ore, collector
Associated Mineralspyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image displays a single, yellowish-brown to orange-brown spheroidal aggregate of Siderite, known as Sphärosiderite, with a distinct botryoidal surface texture and a vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Siderite commonly forms in sedimentary environments, often as bog iron ore, and can also be found in hydrothermal veins and as a gangue mineral in various ore deposits.
