Where is Iron Ore (with Sulfides and Iron Oxides) found?
Iron ore (likely containing pyrite/chalcopyrite and goethite/hematite)
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Open the appIron Ore (with Sulfides and Iron Oxides) occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Iron Ore (with Sulfides and Iron Oxides)
Hamersley Basin, Western Australia
World-class banded iron formations (BIFs) with significant hematite and goethite, often with minor sulfides.
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Extensive iron ore deposits, including high-grade hematite, often associated with goethite and some sulfides.
Lake Superior Region, USA/Canada
Major BIFs (taconite) containing magnetite and hematite, with localized occurrences of pyrite.
Kiruna, Sweden
Large apatite-iron oxide deposits (magnetite) where sulfides (pyrite, chalcopyrite) can be present as accessory minerals or in later alteration zones.
Olympic Dam, South Australia
A prominent Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) deposit, rich in magnetite, hematite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite.
Collecting tips
- Geological Maps and Reports. Consult regional geological surveys and mining company reports for known iron ore occurrences and associated mineralogy.
- Magnetism. Magnetite-rich ores will be strongly magnetic. Hematite and goethite are generally not magnetic, but can be weakly magnetic if they contain fine-grained magnetite inclusions. Sulfides are typically non-magnetic.
- Color and Streak. Red streak for hematite, yellowish-brown for goethite. Pyrite has a greenish-black streak, chalcopyrite a greenish-black streak. These can help differentiate the components.
- Associated Minerals. Look for quartz, chert, carbonates, and other gangue minerals commonly found in iron ore deposits. The presence of copper staining (malachite, azurite) can indicate chalcopyrite.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Mixed: Red, brown, yellow, black (oxides); Brassy yellow (sulfides)
- Luster:
- Mixed: Metallic, submetallic, earthy
- Streak:
- Mixed: Red-brown (hematite), yellow-brown (goethite), greenish-black (pyrite/chalcopyrite)
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