Although goethite is a common mineral, it is uncommon to find collection-worthy specimens of crystallized goethite – the ones in this Goethite Update are great.

Goethite, Volodarsk-Volynskii, Zhytomyr Region, Ukraine – 5.0 cm

These goethite specimens were recently found in one of the huge chamber pegmatites at Volodarsk (which have long been famous for fantastic beryls and huge topaz crystals, to go along with monster quartz crystals). Currently work at Volodarsk has been largely curtailed and it is not clear whether any significant further work will be economically feasible. Prior to discontinuing most operations, the mining workings intersected a pocket which contained these radial sprays of goethite. I acquired them from the person who mined them out before the water table was allowed to submerge the pocket.

Goethite, Volodarsk-Volynskii, Zhytomyr Region, Ukraine – 5.2 cm

Goethite, Volodarsk-Volynskii, Zhytomyr Region, Ukraine – 5.5 cm