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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals K-O |
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Limonite |
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Name
Limonite
Chemistry
Fe2O3
Uses
As a minor ore of iron oxide
Color
Yellow to reddish brown
Hardness
5
Specific gravity
4.7
Limonite is a minor ore of iron.
It is also used as a stain in the paint industry.
The widespread and common hydrated iron oxide mineral limonite, Fe(OH)ánHMO, is a minor ore of iron and a source of ocher and umber pigments.
Having no crystalline form and containing highly variable amounts of water, limonite forms yellowish earthy coatings or brown to blackish, stalactitic, grapelike, or fibrous masses and concretions.
Hardness is 4-5.5, luster is silky or earthy, streak is yellowish brown
Specific gravity is 2.7-4.3.
Much of the material formerly thought to be limonite now is known to be goethite, which is crystalline and has a definite chemical composition, HFeO2.
