sedimentary

Iron-rich sandstone or weathered lateritic rock

Ferruginous sandstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides/hydroxides such as hematite and goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness commonly 5–7 Mohs; tan to reddish-brown, earthy to dull/satin luster, fine-grained and apparently massive, with no obvious cleavage. The specimen appears porous and weathered, but exact identification from a photograph is limited.

Identified September 1, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich sandstone or weathered lateritic rock
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides/hydroxides such as hematite and goethite
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 1, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $0–$5 for an ordinary fragment; up to about $10–$25 if unusually aesthetic or demonstrably mineralized.

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

Forms when quartz-rich sand is cemented by silica and iron minerals, often in oxidizing terrestrial environments; lateritic pieces develop through intense tropical weathering. The geological age cannot be determined visually and may range from relatively young to ancient.

Uses & applications

Used locally as building or landscaping stone and as a source rock in some iron-rich deposits; attractive pieces may be collected, but this small rough fragment has little commercial value.

Geological facts

The rusty coloration comes from oxidized iron rather than necessarily indicating metallic iron. A streak, hardness, and acid test would distinguish it from iron-rich limestone or slag.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty sand-sized grains, earthy red-brown coloration, and a white-to-reddish streak; quartz grains should resist scratching by a steel knife. Common in arid and tropical weathering zones worldwide; test magnetism and inspect with a loupe for slag-like glassiness.