Comparison · Sedimentary Rocks vs Hydroxide Minerals
Laterite vs Limonite
Laterite and Limonite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Laterite and Limonite
- Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Laterite leaves a red brown to yellow brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Limonite leaves yellowish brown.
- Limonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.7 for Laterite).
- They overlap in brown and yellow, but Laterite also comes in red, orange, and purple.
Laterite vs Limonite properties
| Property | Laterite | Limonite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sedimentary Rocks | Hydroxide Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 4 | 4.5 |
| Luster | dull | earthy |
| Streak | Red brown to yellow brown | Yellowish brown |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 3.6 |
| Crystal system | varies | amorphous |
| Common colors | Red, Orange, Brown, Yellow brown, Purple red | Yellowish brown, Brown, Dark brown, Ochre yellow |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1–$75+ | $3–$120+ |
Which is more valuable?
Limonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Laterite, and premium Limonite can reach $120 or more.
About Laterite
Laterite is an iron and aluminum-rich weathering material or rock that often appears red, orange, brown, or earthy.
About Limonite
Limonite is a field name for poorly crystalline, hydrated iron oxide-hydroxide material, mostly fine-grained goethite. It forms brown earthy masses, botryoidal crusts, and pseudomorphs and has long served as an iron ore and pigment.
Laterite vs Limonite FAQ
Is Laterite the same as Limonite?
No. Laterite is a sedimentary rock while Limonite is a hydroxide mineral. Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Laterite from Limonite?
Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Laterite leaves a red brown to yellow brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Limonite leaves yellowish brown. Limonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.7 for Laterite).
Which is harder, Laterite or Limonite?
Limonite is harder: Mohs 4.5 against Mohs 4 for Laterite.
Which is more valuable, Laterite or Limonite?
Limonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Laterite, and premium Limonite can reach $120 or more.
