mineral

Iron-rich weathered pebble (likely limonite/goethite-bearing rock)

Limonite mixture, commonly dominated by goethite (FeO(OH)) and hematite (Fe₂O₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Orange-brown, dull to earthy luster, fine-grained and rounded; apparent hardness about 4–6 Mohs, with no visible cleavage or crystals. The coloration suggests hydrated iron oxides coating or replacing a denser host rock.

Identified August 21, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich weathered pebble (likely limonite/goethite-bearing rock)
Scientific name: Limonite mixture, commonly dominated by goethite (FeO(OH)) and hematite (Fe₂O₃)
Category: mineral
Identified: August 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$10 as a common pebble; distinctive botryoidal or high-grade collector specimens may sell for $20–$100.

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 by oxidation and weathering of iron-bearing minerals, often in soils, lateritic zones, or weathered sulfide deposits; usually geologically young as a surface alteration product, though the source rock may be ancient.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as an iron-oxide specimen; similar material has historically been used as iron ore and ochre pigment, but this small pebble has little industrial value.

Geological facts

Limonite is not a single mineral but a variable mixture of hydrated iron oxides. It may leave a yellow-brown streak and often forms rusty coatings around other rocks.

Field identification & locations

Likely locations include weathered iron-rich terrains worldwide. Test with an unglazed tile for a yellow-brown streak, inspect for magnetic response, and use a hardness test; image-only identification cannot exclude an iron-stained sandstone or basalt.