sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone or weathered laterite

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rusty reddish-brown, dull to earthy luster, fine-grained and apparently weakly layered; likely Mohs 6–7 for quartz grains but relatively friable overall. No obvious cleavage or crystal faces; specific gravity commonly about 2.3–2.7.

Identified August 15, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich sandstone or weathered laterite
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides such as hematite (Fe₂O₃) and goethite (FeO(OH))
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as a common hand specimen; generally under $20 unless unusually distinctive or from a documented locality.

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 from quartz-rich sediment lithified and later altered by oxidizing groundwater, concentrating iron minerals; comparable deposits range from Paleozoic to recent tropical weathering profiles, so age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used locally as building stone, road aggregate, or iron-bearing material; attractive pieces may be collected, but this specimen has low commercial value.

Geological facts

The orange-red coloration is characteristic of oxidized iron rather than copper. A streak or powder test can distinguish iron staining from many similarly colored rocks.

Field identification & locations

Common in arid and tropical terrains, including India, Africa, Australia, Brazil, and the American Southwest. Test hardness with a steel knife, inspect fresh fractures for quartz grains, and check whether a magnet attracts any iron-rich portion.