sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone or weathered ironstone pebble

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Reddish-brown, dull to earthy luster, fine-grained and rounded; apparent hardness about 5–7 depending on cement, with no obvious cleavage. The porous, pitted texture and rusty color suggest iron-oxide cement or weathering.

Identified August 26, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich sandstone 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 sandstone or weathered ironstone pebble
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides/hydroxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 26, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$1–$10 as a common loose specimen; generally little commercial value unless locality-specific or unusually attractive.

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

Formed when quartz-rich sand was lithified and impregnated with iron-bearing fluids, or when ironstone weathered and was rounded in stream or beach transport; exact age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as aggregate, road material, or occasionally building stone; attractive pieces may be kept as inexpensive geological specimens, but it is not typically a jewelry gemstone.

Geological facts

A magnet test may show weak attraction if magnetite is present, while a streak test can produce a reddish-brown powder. Effervescence in dilute hydrochloric acid would suggest carbonate cement rather than ordinary ferruginous sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible sand grains, rusty coatings, and a reddish-brown streak; compare density and magnetism with nearby rocks. Similar material occurs widely in ironstone, sandstone, laterite, and stream-gravel deposits.