Goethite For Sale

Goethite is a metallic-grey, iron-bearing mineral that frequently forms massive habits but sometimes can be found as prismatic, needle-like crystals and in botryoidal (globular) forms. It frequently forms the matrix that other more aesthetic minerals and crystals are found on. This mineral is named after the famous German poet and scientist of the early 19th century, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. While its primary use is as an iron ore, fine goethite specimens are rare and therefore are valuable to collectors.

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Minerals & Crystals

$2 - $27,500

Where Is Goethite Found?

Goethite is found worldwide and, given its ability to form in many varieties, different locations produce wildly differing specimens. Premium iridescent botryoidal masses occur in Spain, England, and Colorado. These occurrences are very popular among serious mineral collectors. Stalactitic goethite serving as a matrix for vanadinite crystals is mined out of Taouz, Morocco. This variety is extremely collectible and highly sought after by goethite and vanadinite enthusiasts alike. Pyrite pseudomorphs are collected from Utah in the United States and intriguing gypsum pseudomorphs come from Mexico. Druzy quartz geodes containing branching, slender crystal sprays of jet-black goethite are found in Colorado and are magnificent to behold. Ontario, Canada’s goethite is known for its resemblance to small bowling balls smashed into rocks, and Portugal produces botryoidal masses that appear velvety and are far rarer than other goethite varieties.

Goethite is even found outside of Earth! During an exploratory mission, NASA’s Spirit rover collected samples of goethite from a crater on Mars, which may suggest the presence of liquid water in the planet’s distant past.

How Does Goethite Form?

Goethite forms as a secondary mineral in iron deposits where oxidation occurs. This mineral is commonly a pseudomorph of pyrite, which occurs when an abundance of oxygen enters a iron-rich area. Goethite will also form where hydrothermal environments force replacement to occur. They have also been known to form as precipitates along hydrothermal vents and as a waste product of some vent-dwelling bacteria.

Uses Of Goethite

Goethite is primarily used as an iron ore and is also used to remove cadmium from industrial waste products. Evidence of goethite use exists throughout history and into prehistory, where it was used as a pigment in dark paints. Analysis of the famous Lascaux cave paintings in France test positive for the presence of goethite. While its primary use is as an iron ore, fine goethite specimens do exist, but are rare and therefore valuable to collectors.

Common Associations

Because of goethite’s proclivity as a pseudomorph, it is often found in association with the minerals it is secondary to. These minerals are typically other iron-based minerals and common silicate materials you might find in iron deposits. Quartz and calcite are fairly common associates of goethite as far as silicates and carbonates go. The primary associates of goethite are pyrite, hematite, magnetite, and vanadinite. Goethite will also form associations with malachite: these specimens are very attractive to collectors! This mineral frequently forms the matrix for more aesthetic minerals and crystals like vanadinite, where the black provides a nice contrast to vanadinite's brilliant red.

Where Is Goethite Found?

How Does Goethite Form?

Uses Of Goethite

Common Associations