sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone or laterite

Ferruginous sandstone; mainly quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness typically 6–7 for quartz grains, with softer iron-oxide areas; orange, yellow, red-brown, and dark brown, earthy to dull luster, granular texture, and no obvious cleavage. The rough, weathered surfaces and strong rusty coloration indicate abundant iron oxides.

Identified August 8, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich sandstone or laterite 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 sandstone or laterite
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; mainly quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for common hand specimens; up to roughly $50–$100 for unusually attractive, dense, or well-documented pieces.

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 from quartz-rich sediment later cemented and oxidized in an oxygen-rich terrestrial environment; alternatively, it may be weathered lateritic ironstone. Exact geological age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used locally as aggregate, building stone, road material, and occasionally as an ornamental specimen; generally not a gemstone. Its main value is educational or aesthetic.

Geological facts

Iron minerals produce the characteristic rust colors, while manganese oxides may account for darker patches. A streak test may produce a yellow-brown to reddish mark, especially on softer coated areas.

Field identification & locations

Common in tropical weathering zones and sedimentary regions worldwide, including Australia, India, Africa, and the Americas. Test for a gritty quartz texture, high density, rusty streak, and possible attraction to a strong magnet if magnetite is present.