sedimentary

Iron-rich laterite or weathered ironstone pebble

Goethite–hematite-rich ferruginous duricrust; commonly approximated as FeO(OH) and Fe₂O₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-red, earthy to dull/submetallic luster, opaque, and rounded by transport or weathering; hardness about 4–6 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage and typically high specific gravity. The image suggests a fine-grained ironstone rather than a crystalline metallic ore.

Identified August 17, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich laterite or weathered ironstone pebble 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 laterite or weathered ironstone pebble
Scientific name: Goethite–hematite-rich ferruginous duricrust; commonly approximated as FeO(OH) and Fe₂O₃
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$10 as a common hand specimen; attractive botryoidal or high-grade hematite/goethite examples may sell for $20–$100+.

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

Forms when intense tropical or subtropical chemical weathering concentrates iron oxides and oxyhydroxides in soil or bedrock, later becoming cemented into duricrust; it may be geologically young to ancient depending on the landscape. The rounded shape indicates erosion and stream or surface transport.

Uses & applications

Usually used as an iron ore only when sufficiently iron-rich, and locally as aggregate, pigment, or landscaping stone. This small specimen has little jewelry or commercial value.

Geological facts

Hematite gives red-brown coloration, while goethite commonly produces yellow-brown patches; a reddish-brown streak and attraction to a strong magnet can help distinguish it from ordinary red sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Common in tropical weathering profiles, Australia, India, Africa, Brazil, and other iron-rich terrains. A streak test on unglazed porcelain, heft, and magnetism are useful field checks; exact identification requires chemical or mineralogical testing.