sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone or weathered ironstone fragment

Ferruginous sandstone; quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides such as hematite/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Likely Mohs hardness 6–7 for quartz grains, with a rusty brown, granular surface and dull to earthy luster; no visible cleavage, and probable porous clastic texture. The image is somewhat blurred, so exact identification is uncertain.

Identified September 13, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich sandstone or weathered ironstone fragment 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 fragment
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides such as hematite/goethite
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for a common loose specimen; $10–$30 if unusually colorful, collectible, or locality-labeled.

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 sand-sized quartz grains were deposited, compacted, and cemented, with iron minerals producing the brown-red coloration; age depends on locality and may range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic. Weathering can concentrate iron at the surface.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as building or landscaping stone and occasionally as a source of iron-rich aggregate; small unattractive fragments have little jewelry value.

Geological facts

Ferruginous sandstone can resemble laterite, ironstone, or weathered chert. A streak test, close inspection of grain texture, and a hardness test help distinguish it from massive hematite or rusty metal.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible sand grains, sedimentary layering, earthy rust coloration, and weak porosity; common in sedimentary basins worldwide. A steel nail should generally scratch the cement only weakly, while quartz grains resist scratching.