sedimentary

Iron-rich weathered rock, possibly limonite-bearing sandstone or laterite

Goethite–hematite/limonite assemblage, likely in a ferruginous sandstone or weathered host rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown, rusty-gray, earthy and dull with irregular surfaces and possible iron-oxide crusts; hardness roughly 4–6, generally massive rather than crystalline, with variable density and no obvious cleavage.

Identified September 5, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich weathered rock, possibly limonite-bearing sandstone or laterite 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 weathered rock, possibly limonite-bearing sandstone or laterite
Scientific name: Goethite–hematite/limonite assemblage, likely in a ferruginous sandstone or weathered host rock
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 5, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $1–$15 as an ordinary hand specimen; attractive botryoidal or unusually dense collector material may sell for $20–$75.

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 by oxidation and groundwater alteration of iron-bearing minerals during prolonged surface weathering; exact age and original host cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Usually a common geological specimen or iron-ore sample; iron oxides have historically been mined for iron and used as natural ochre pigments, but this piece has little commercial value without assay-grade ore content.

Geological facts

Limonite is a mixture of hydrated iron oxides rather than a single precisely defined mineral, while goethite and hematite are common crystalline components. A diagnostic rusty streak or yellow-brown powder may occur on unglazed porcelain.

Field identification & locations

Look for reddish-brown to yellow streak, earthy texture, high apparent density, and attraction only if magnetite is present; confirm with streak, magnetism, hardness, and chemical testing. Common in weathered iron-rich soils, bogs, sedimentary deposits, and lateritic zones worldwide.