sedimentary

Iron-rich weathered rock, likely lateritic sandstone or ironstone

Ferruginous sandstone/ironstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with hematite/goethite (Fe₂O₃·nH₂O)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-orange, earthy to dull luster, fine-grained and massive, with a darker gray rough surface and possible quartz-rich areas. Estimated hardness 5–7 depending on cement; no obvious cleavage; specific gravity roughly 2.6–3.5.

Identified August 12, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich weathered rock, likely lateritic sandstone or ironstone
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone/ironstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with hematite/goethite (Fe₂O₃·nH₂O)
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 12, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as a common hand specimen; up to $20–$50 if unusually dense, attractive, 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

Likely formed from quartz-rich sediment cemented and stained by iron oxides during weathering, producing a hard ferruginous layer or concretion. Exact age cannot be determined from the photograph; rocks of this type are common in uplifted, strongly weathered mountain terrains.

Uses & applications

Usually collected as a field specimen or used locally as rough aggregate and durable road/construction stone; generally unsuitable for jewelry unless polished.

Geological facts

The orange-brown color is characteristic of hematite and goethite coatings. A reddish-brown streak and resistance to scratching are useful confirmation tests.

Field identification & locations

The specimen is consistent with iron-rich rocks found around the Karakoram–Himalayan region near 35.9°N, 74.4°E, though a precise locality identification is not possible visually. Test streak on unglazed porcelain, magnetism, and acid reaction; quartz grains would support ferruginous sandstone rather than massive iron ore.