Limonite Value Guide

Limonite is a historically significant hydrated iron oxide mineral, famously used as the 'yellow ochre' pigment in ancient cave paintings for millennia. This Holocene-era specimen from the USA represents one of humanity's oldest iron ores, once harvested from bog iron deposits to forge essential weapons and tools.

What Is Limonite Worth?

The typical price range for Limonite is $25 - $28 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The vibrancy and saturation of the natural yellowish-brown pigment coloration.
• The structural integrity of the porous specimen and its resistance to crumbling.
• The specific composition and presence of associated minerals like goethite within the iron oxide matrix.
• The size and aesthetic appeal of the earthy formation as a representative geological sample.

How to Identify Limonite?

• Identify the specimen by its characteristic yellowish-brown to dark brown earthy luster and porous texture.
• Verify the streak color, which should consistently produce a yellowish-brown mark regardless of the exterior shade.
• Look for a non-crystalline, massive structure that often contains a mixture of goethite and clay materials.
• Check for the absence of cleavage and a dull, submetallic to earthy appearance typical of hydrated iron oxide.

History of Limonite

Limonite is one of the oldest iron ores known to man, used as a pigment called yellow ochre in cave paintings for millennia. Before modern mining, it was often harvested from 'bog iron' deposits to forge weapons and tools.