Goethite Restormel Royal Iron Mine Cornwall Genuine Mineral Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Genuine Goethite – Restormel Royal Iron Mine, Cornwall

This Goethite specimen from Restormel Royal Iron Mine, Cornwall, is a genuine British mineral example carefully selected for its structure, surface character and historic locality significance. The photograph provided shows the exact specimen you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing details and accurate scale.

This crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine origin and mineral identity.

Mineral & Geological Classification – Goethite (Iron Oxyhydroxide)

Goethite is an iron oxyhydroxide mineral with the chemical formula FeO(OH). It belongs to the oxide mineral group and crystallises in the orthorhombic crystal system. It is one of the principal components of limonite and a major iron ore mineral.

Mineral Type: Iron Oxyhydroxide
Chemical Formula: FeO(OH)
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Hardness: 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale
Lustre: Submetallic to earthy
Colour: Dark brown, reddish-brown to nearly black
Streak: Yellow-brown

Goethite commonly forms through the weathering and oxidation of iron-bearing minerals such as pyrite, siderite and magnetite. It is typically found in iron-rich sedimentary deposits, hydrothermal veins and gossan zones above ore bodies.

Cornwall Locality – Restormel Royal Iron Mine

Restormel Royal Iron Mine, located in Cornwall, is part of the region’s historic mining landscape. Cornwall is internationally recognised for its complex mineralisation associated with the Cornubian granite intrusions formed during the late Carboniferous to early Permian periods.

Iron mineralisation in this area developed through hydrothermal processes and later supergene enrichment. As iron-bearing sulphides oxidised near the surface, secondary minerals such as goethite formed within fractures and cavities.

Specimens from Restormel Royal Iron Mine are valued for their documented locality and connection to Cornwall’s rich industrial heritage. The mine is historically associated with iron extraction, and goethite represents a key mineral phase within the oxidation zones of the deposit.

Crystal Characteristics & Surface Features

Goethite may occur in several habits, including botryoidal (rounded, grape-like formations), fibrous aggregates, stalactitic structures or compact earthy masses. Surface textures often display:

• Botryoidal or reniform growth patterns

• Fine fibrous or radiating structures

• Submetallic sheen on smoother surfaces

• Earthy textures in weathered areas

Colour typically ranges from deep brown to near-black, sometimes with reddish undertones depending on oxidation levels. The submetallic lustre may be visible on fresh surfaces, while weathered areas can appear matte.

Natural growth structures, minor surface irregularities and iron oxide patination are part of the mineral’s geological development and authenticity.

Geological Significance & Collectibility

Goethite plays an important role in the geochemical cycling of iron and is a major contributor to the formation of iron-rich soils and lateritic deposits. In mining contexts, it often marks the oxidation zone above primary sulphide ore bodies.

Specimens from named Cornish localities such as Restormel Royal Iron Mine are particularly desirable among collectors of British minerals due to their documented provenance and historical importance.

This specimen offers both geological interest and locality value, making it suitable for mineral cabinets, educational collections or display.

Because this is a genuine natural specimen, each piece displays unique texture and structural characteristics. The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive.

Authenticity & Presentation

This Goethite specimen from Restormel Royal Iron Mine has been carefully chosen for authenticity, character and presentation. Included with your purchase is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine origin from Cornwall.

Combining iron mineral geology with historic Cornish mining heritage, this Goethite specimen offers documented locality, mineral authenticity and classic British collector appeal in one carefully selected piece.