Mineral 1.0: Siderite

Mineral 1.0

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SideriteFeCO₃

Class: Carbonate
Hardness: 3.5 - 4
Density: 4.0
Streak: White
Lustre: Vitreous
Habit: Aggregate of crystals or grains
Colours: Tan brown (typical)
   Crystal System: Hexagonal
Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral
Fracture: Uneven
Magnetism: None
Reaction with HCl: Weak
Identification in hand sample:
Identified by colour and hardness.
Associations:
Produced by hydrothermal alteration of limestone. May also occur as concretionary or oolitic forms in clay ironstones.
Industrial / ecomonic uses:
Sometimes used as an iron ore. Also used in pigments where a red or brown colour is desirable.



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