Iron oxyhydroxide and the main component of rust and limonite. Named after the German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Color: Black, brown, yellow. Luster: Adamantine to earthy. Streak: Yellowish-brown. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction. Hardness: 5-5.5. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: FeO OH. Specific gravity: 3.3-4.3. Formation: Forms by weathering of iron-bearing minerals in oxidizing conditions. Major component of bog iron ore. Common geological settings: Worldwide; found in soils, laterites, and as a weathering product of iron minerals. Common look-alikes and related entries: Hematite, Limonite, Siderite.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:42.492086+00:00
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IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Iron oxyhydroxide and the main component of rust and limonite. Named after the German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
How can you identify Goethite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Black, brown, yellow; lustre: Adamantine to earthy; streak: Yellowish-brown; Mohs hardness: 5-5.5; cleavage: Perfect in one direction; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Goethite form?
Forms by weathering of iron-bearing minerals in oxidizing conditions. Major component of bog iron ore.
Where is Goethite commonly found?
Worldwide; found in soils, laterites, and as a weathering product of iron minerals.
What is Goethite commonly confused with?
Goethite may be confused with Hematite, Limonite, Siderite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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