sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone or lateritic ironstone pebble

Ferruginous sandstone/ironstone, composed mainly of quartz (SiO₂) and iron oxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, reddish-brown, earthy to dull-lustrous, rounded and porous-looking pebble; likely Mohs hardness 5–7 depending on quartz content, with no obvious cleavage. Exact identification requires a streak, hardness, magnetism, and density test.

Identified September 2, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich sandstone or lateritic ironstone pebble
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone/ironstone, composed mainly of quartz (SiO₂) and iron oxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 2, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $0–$5 for a common pebble; approximately $5–$20 if distinctive, polished, or sold as a labeled mineral specimen.

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 quartz-rich sand or weathered soil became cemented or concentrated by iron oxides in an oxidizing terrestrial environment; age cannot be determined from the photograph. Such material commonly develops in lateritic soils, river gravels, and weathered sedimentary formations.

Uses & applications

Usually collected as a curiosity or used as landscaping aggregate; it has little jewelry or industrial value unless unusually dense, attractive, or associated with economically important iron ore.

Geological facts

The red-brown color comes from oxidized iron minerals, often hematite or goethite. A reddish-yellow to brown streak and attraction to a strong magnet would help distinguish ironstone from ordinary sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Common in tropical and subtropical soils, streambeds, and iron-bearing sedimentary terrains worldwide; test with an unglazed ceramic tile, steel file, and magnet, avoiding destructive testing if collectible.