sedimentary

Iron-rich breccia (likely limonite/goethite-stained rock)

Ferruginous breccia; iron oxides/hydroxides such as goethite (FeO(OH)) and limonite, with unidentified rock fragments

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rough, brown to rusty, earthy-to-submetallic surfaces with angular fragments cemented together. Hardness and specific gravity vary with composition; goethite is about 5–5.5 Mohs, and crystal structure is not identifiable from the photo.

Identified September 26, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich breccia (likely limonite/goethite-stained rock) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich breccia (likely limonite/goethite-stained rock)
Scientific name: Ferruginous breccia; iron oxides/hydroxides such as goethite (FeO(OH)) and limonite, with unidentified rock fragments
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 26, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a small, common specimen; higher value requires distinctive locality, mineralization, or aesthetics.

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

Likely formed when broken rock fragments were cemented by iron-rich groundwater or weathering products; age and precise setting cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collecting or display specimen; iron-rich material may be an iron ore where deposits are sufficiently concentrated.

Geological facts

Goethite and related iron oxides commonly create rusty coatings and cement in rocks. The visible fragments suggest a brecciated texture, but the specimen’s composition cannot be confirmed visually.

Field identification & locations

Look for angular clasts, rusty-brown iron staining, and a dense or earthy feel; a streak test and hardness test can help distinguish iron oxides. Iron-rich breccias occur in many regions, so location is needed for a more specific identification.