Iron-rich basaltic pebble

Dark reddish-brown, fine-grained, dull to slightly earthy luster, with no visible crystals or cleavage; typical hardness about Mohs 5–6 and specific gravity roughly 2.8–3.1.

Basalt forms when iron- and magnesium-rich lava rapidly cools at or near Earth’s surface; its exact age cannot be determined visually, and the reddish color likely reflects oxidation during weathering.

Commonly used as crushed aggregate, road material, landscaping stone, and occasionally as a decorative cobble; this nondescript specimen has little jewelry value.

The rusty coloration commonly comes from oxidized iron-bearing minerals such as pyroxene or magnetite alteration. Its smoothly rounded shape indicates abrasion by water, ice, or prolonged transport.

Identify it by its dense, nonporous character, dark fine-grained texture, and weak attraction to a magnet if magnetite is present; common in volcanic terrains, river gravels, and glacial deposits. A fresh broken surface would help distinguish basalt from iron-rich sedimentary rock.