sedimentary

Brown sandstone or weathered quartz-rich rock

Likely lithic sandstone; exact identification requires a close fresh surface and tests

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tan-brown, dull to slightly gritty, irregularly fractured specimen with apparent granular texture. Likely hardness about 6–7 if quartz-rich; no obvious crystal faces or cleavage; specific gravity roughly 2.3–2.7.

Identified September 19, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Brown sandstone or weathered quartz-rich rock in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably a weathered sedimentary fragment formed from compacted sand, commonly millions to hundreds of millions of years old. Around 46.4°N, 23.9°E in Transylvania, sandstone and weathered sedimentary rocks are geologically plausible, though the image alone cannot establish age.

Uses & applications

Common sandstone is used as building stone, paving, aggregate, and occasionally as a decorative or carving material; this small fragment has little commercial value.

Geological facts

The pale, sparkly grains may be quartz or mica, while the brown color commonly results from iron-oxide staining. A streak, acid, hardness, and magnified grain test would separate sandstone from altered granite, quartzite, or iron-rich rock.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible sand-sized grains and weak layering; sandstone scratches glass only when quartz-rich. Estimated value: $0–$5 as an ordinary loose fragment, or about $5–$20 if unusually attractive or locally significant.