Comparison · Hydroxide Minerals vs Sedimentary Rocks
Limonite vs Sandstone
Limonite and Sandstone are easy to confuse. Sandstone is harder (Mohs 6) than Limonite (Mohs 4.5), so Sandstone will scratch Limonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Limonite and Sandstone
- Sandstone is harder (Mohs 6) than Limonite (Mohs 4.5), so Sandstone will scratch Limonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Streak color differs: Limonite leaves a yellowish brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Sandstone leaves variable; test individual minerals.
- Limonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.3 for Sandstone).
- They overlap in brown and yellow, but Sandstone also comes in red, white, and gray.
Limonite vs Sandstone properties
| Property | Limonite | Sandstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hydroxide Minerals | Sedimentary Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 4.5 | 6 |
| Luster | earthy | dull |
| Streak | Yellowish brown | Variable; test individual minerals |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 3.6 | 2.3 |
| Crystal system | amorphous | varies |
| Common colors | Yellowish brown, Brown, Dark brown, Ochre yellow | Tan, Brown, Red, Yellow, White, Gray |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $3–$120+ | $1–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Limonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $15 for Sandstone, and premium Limonite can reach $120 or more.
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.
About Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Color varies based on mineral content and cementing material.
Limonite vs Sandstone FAQ
Is Limonite the same as Sandstone?
No. Limonite is a hydroxide mineral while Sandstone is a sedimentary rock. Sandstone is harder (Mohs 6) than Limonite (Mohs 4.5), so Sandstone will scratch Limonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Limonite from Sandstone?
Sandstone is harder (Mohs 6) than Limonite (Mohs 4.5), so Sandstone will scratch Limonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Streak color differs: Limonite leaves a yellowish brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Sandstone leaves variable; test individual minerals. Limonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.6 versus 2.3 for Sandstone).
Which is harder, Limonite or Sandstone?
Sandstone is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 4.5 for Limonite.
Which is more valuable, Limonite or Sandstone?
Limonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $15 for Sandstone, and premium Limonite can reach $120 or more.
