sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone (ferruginous sandstone)

Quartz-rich sandstone cemented or stained by iron oxides, commonly hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown to rusty red, dull to slightly sparkly, with a granular texture and no obvious cleavage; typically composed mainly of quartz (Mohs 7) with softer iron-oxide cement. The image alone does not establish hardness or exact mineralogy.

Identified September 29, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich sandstone (ferruginous sandstone)
Scientific name: Quartz-rich sandstone cemented or stained by iron oxides, commonly hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 29, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$20 for a common hand-sized specimen; higher prices generally require unusual patterning, locality, or provenance.

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 sand grains are lithified and iron oxides cement or stain them, often in oxidizing groundwater; age depends on the source formation and cannot be determined from the photo.

Uses & applications

Used locally as building or paving stone and collected as a decorative specimen; iron-rich varieties may be of geological interest but are not necessarily iron ore.

Geological facts

The rusty color comes from iron oxides; a fresh broken surface may reveal visible sand-sized grains.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty grains, rusty coloration, and layered or cemented texture; ferruginous sandstone occurs worldwide. A scratch and streak test, or magnification, can help distinguish it from ironstone and other rocks.