sedimentary
Coarse sand with a small pebble
Unconsolidated siliciclastic sediment, chiefly quartz and rock fragments
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectVisible sand grains and scattered granules with a gray, angular pebble; grains are mostly quartz and assorted lithic fragments. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a vitreous luster; the sediment itself is not a single crystalline rock.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Coarse sand with a small pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Visible sand grains and scattered granules with a gray, angular pebble; grains are mostly quartz and assorted lithic fragments. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a vitreous luster; the sediment itself is not a single crystalline rock.
Formation & geological history
Produced by weathering and erosion, then transported and deposited by water, wind, or on a beach. The image shows loose, unconsolidated material, so no rock age can be assigned.
Uses & applications
Sand is used in construction, concrete, glassmaking, and landscaping; this small loose sample has no notable commercial or jewelry value.
Geological facts
The grains’ mixed colors and sizes suggest sediment derived from multiple mineral and rock sources.
Field identification & locations
Look for individual grains rather than interlocking crystals; quartz grains resist scratching by a steel nail. Sand is common on beaches, riverbanks, dunes, and in sediment deposits.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary