Lepidocrocite

specimen number:
2062296

location:
Sherwood Mine(?), Iron River, Michigan, USA

description:
Glistening deep red micro crystals throughout all sides of matrix. Good rich example for the species from this area.

Lepidocrocite is an iron oxide-hydroxide mineral that crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, typically forming as a secondary alteration product or weathering mineral in iron-rich geological environments. Geologically, it develops through the oxidation of primary iron-bearing sulfides or silicates under near-surface conditions, commonly occurring in soils, gossans, bog iron ores, and marine sediments alongside related species like goethite. The mineral is visually distinctive, characteristically forming as foliated, fibrous, or micaceous aggregates, as well as flattened, tabular crystals that exhibit a bright ruby-red to reddish-brown color and a submetallic to silky luster. It is also well known as a common component of rust and can occur as tiny inclusions inside other minerals like quartz, where it imparts a distinct reddish shimmer or fire effect.

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