Iddingsite

A common alteration product of Olivine, often observed as rims on olivine phenocrysts in thin sections but also in hand specimens of olivine basalts. Usually red to brown or orange in colour. A mixture of clay minerals (chlorite group, smectite group), iron oxides and ferrihydrites.

Structural context

Iddingsite
Crystal System orthorhombic

Chemical context

Stoichiometric formulas

Iddingsite
mindat.org
  • March 13, 2023MgO·Fe2O3·3SiO2·4H2OFormula gives the approximate bulk composition. Later studies (Smith et al 1987) found progressive changes of the bulk composition during alteration, with final stages approaching the composition of pure goethite (FeOOH).

Physical properties

Hardness
3