Information about Limonite

Appearance

Limonite is a little tricky to describe, because it isn’t actually a valid mineral. It is used as a geological field or classroom tool for a range of iron oxide minerals which cannot be identified without complex laboratory analysis.

Uses and History

Limonite has been used as a pigment since neolithic times, and is probably one of the most used yellow-brown ‘ochre’ pigments throughout human history.

Obviously, Limonite has also been used as an iron ore in areas with limited access to deposits of hematite or magnetite; It is typically no longer used as iron ore as the deposits are small and impure compared to those of Australia and South Africa etc.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://www.mindat.org/min-2402.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limonite
• https://geology.com/minerals/limonite.shtml