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Formula: (Fe3+0.67☐0.33)Fe3+2O4
Simple oxide, isometric paramorph of trigonal
hematite, spinel subgroup
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific gravity: 4.9
Hardness: 6
Streak: Brown
Colour: Brown, brick-red
Magnetism: Strongly ferromagnetic
Environments
Maghemite is formed by weathering or low-temperature oxidation of minerals containing ferrous
iron, Fe2+, commonly
magnetite or siderite. It is a
widespread yellow pigment in continental
sediments, rocks, and soils. Associated minerals include magnetite,
ilmenite, anatase,
pyrite, marcasite,
lepidocrocite and goethite.
Maghemite is usually impure, and admixed with silica, gibbsite,
kaolin and other iron oxides and
hydroxides. It is common in gossan, in
laterite and in the oxidised outcrops of
magnetite deposits
(HOM, Dana).
Localities
The type locality is the Bushveld Complex, South Africa
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