sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone or lateritic ironstone

Ferruginous sandstone/ironstone, chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides and hydroxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically rusty orange-brown, earthy to dull and locally granular, with gray quartz-rich fragments; hardness about 5–7 for quartz-rich areas, lower where friable, and no obvious cleavage. The specimen appears heavily weathered and cemented by iron oxides.

Identified September 20, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich sandstone or lateritic ironstone 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 lateritic ironstone
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone/ironstone, chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides and hydroxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 20, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$20 for a common hand specimen; $20–$75 if unusually dense, patterned, locality-labeled, or collectible.

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 iron-bearing groundwater cemented sand or weathered rock, producing ferruginous sandstone or laterite; such deposits commonly formed during prolonged subaerial weathering in the Cenozoic, though exact age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Common material has little commercial value, but ironstone may be mined as low- to moderate-grade iron ore; attractive pieces can be used as geological specimens or landscaping stone rather than jewelry.

Geological facts

The orange color comes from oxidized iron, analogous to terrestrial rust. Magnetism may be weak or absent unless magnetite is also present.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty quartz grains, rusty coatings, earthy streak, and irregular iron-rich cement; common in tropical weathering zones and sedimentary basins worldwide. A streak test, magnet test, hardness test, and acid test would improve identification.