Siderite is a mineral composed of iron carbonate, with the chemical formula FeCO3.
It is a relatively common mineral, found in many locations around the world, including the United States, Germany, France, and China.
Siderite is typically formed through the precipitation of iron and carbonate ions in aquatic environments, such as swamps and bogs.
The mineral is often associated with other iron-rich minerals, such as haematite and magnetite.
Siderite has a characteristic yellow-brown color and a dull or glassy luster.
It is relatively soft, with a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, and can be easily scratched with a knife.
Siderite is not commonly used in industrial applications, but has historically been used as an iron ore and as a source of carbon dioxide for the production of soda ash.
The mineral is also sometimes referred to as “chalybite” due to its characteristic structure and appearance.
Siderite deposits are typically low-grade, meaning that they contain a lower concentration of iron than other iron ores like haematite and magnetite.
