TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Limonita Botroidal

Limonita is a mineral with formula FeO(OH)·nH₂O, in the Mineraloides (Óxidos) group. This specimen comes from Mina Trinidad, Benalmádena, Málaga, Andalucía, España.

Limonita Botroidal from Mina Trinidad, Benalmádena, Málaga, Andalucía, España — Terrium

Description

Elongate piece of botryoidal limonite, yellowish-brown in colour, with defined surfaces, compact texture, and a slightly matt lustre.

About Limonita

Limonite is not a mineral in the strict sense, but a mixture of iron oxides and hydroxides, formed by supergene alteration of primary iron-bearing minerals. It commonly occurs as earthy masses and is much rarer in botryoidal habit.

About the locality

An abandoned iron mine in the Benalmádena area. The mine has unstable galleries and collapsed zones, with dangerous access and no control in place. Collecting material here entails serious risks from collapses and falls. The pieces that remain usually come from old dumps.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0459
Internal reference
T0066
Composition
FeO(OH)·nH₂O
Name
Limonita
Variety
Botroidal
Group
Mineraloides (Óxidos)
Category
Cupidium
Mine
Mina Trinidad
District / Municipality
Benalmádena
Province
Málaga
Region
Andalucía
Country
España
Etymology
From the Greek "leimon" ('meadow'), after the yellow colour of its earthy varieties.
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Estable

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