Siderite

Siderite is a mineral that is composed of iron, carbon, and oxygen. It is typically found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone and shale, and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz and calcite.

Siderite can range in color from yellow to brown to grey, and has a dull to glassy luster. It is sometimes used as an iron ore, as it contains a relatively high percentage of iron, and is also used as a pigment in paint and ceramics.

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Information about Siderite

Appearance

Siderite is primarily used as an iron ore, but carbonate iron ore is definitely not as useful as typical ores like haematite, as further processing is required.

Uses and History

Siderite is primarily used as an iron ore, but carbonate iron ore is definitely not as useful as typical ores like haematite, as further processing is required.

 

In rare cases, siderite is faceted for jewellery usage.

These ores were, for a time, very useful as the Bessemer process for manufacturing steel required an ore with minimal phosphorus, which siderite was.

Siderite does also produce siderite concretions, which have been known to preserve some very good quality fossils.

Mineralogy

Chemistry
Iron carbonate, with the formula FeCO₃
Colours and Variations
Brown, yellowish-brown, or reddish-brown.
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous (glass-like) or silky
Transparency
Transparent to translucent
Fracture
Conchoidal or uneven, though often it can be brittle and may break along cleavage planes.
Crystal habit
Rhombohedral crystals, often appearing as tabular or prismatic crystals. Siderite can also occur in massive, granular, or stalactitic forms.
Mohs hardness
3.5 to 4.5
Fluorescence
Typically non-fluorescent.
Specific Gravity
3.96
Easiest testing method
Siderite can be identified by its rhombohedral crystal form, its brown to yellow-brown color, and its reaction to acids. When treated with a dilute acid, it will fizz due to the release of carbon dioxide.

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.
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

Arabic:

  • سيديريت

Hindi:

  • सिडेराइट

Portuguese:

  • Siderita

Bengali:

  • সিডেরাইট

Indonesian:

Punjabi:

English:

  • Siderite

Italian:

  • 菱鉄鉱

Russian:

  • Сидерит

French:

  • Sidérite

Japanese:

  • 菱鉄鉱

Spanish:

German:

  • Siderit

Korean:

  • 시데라이트

Thai:

Gujurati:

  • सिडेराइट

Mandarin Chinese:

  • 菱铁矿

Urdu:

Further Reading / External Links