sedimentary

Fossiliferous iron-rich breccia/conglomerate

Clastic sedimentary rock containing lithic fragments and possible fossil or concretionary structures; iron oxides/hydroxides (hematite–goethite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 5–7, dark brown to gray with rusty red-brown patches, dull to slightly metallic luster, and poorly sorted angular-to-rounded clasts in a fine matrix. The rounded ring-like features may be fossil fragments or weathered concretions; exact identification requires magnification and testing.

Identified September 3, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Fossiliferous iron-rich breccia/conglomerate
Scientific name: Clastic sedimentary rock containing lithic fragments and possible fossil or concretionary structures; iron oxides/hydroxides (hematite–goethite)
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 3, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as an ordinary specimen; $30–$100+ if confirmed fossil-bearing or unusually attractive.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sedimentary or volcanic fragments were deposited, compacted, and cemented, with later iron-rich groundwater alteration; age cannot be determined from the image. Such rocks commonly form in oxidizing terrestrial or shallow-marine environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen or teaching sample; iron-rich varieties may be locally mined as low-grade iron ore, but this piece has no evident commercial use.

Geological facts

The apparent circular structures could represent fossil material, but they may also be mineral-filled cavities or clasts; a polished slice and thin section would distinguish them.

Field identification & locations

Look for cemented fragments, rusty staining, and a heavy feel; streak, magnetism, acid reaction, and a 10× loupe examination are useful tests. Comparable material occurs in many weathered sedimentary basins worldwide.