mineral

Iron-rich weathered stone, possibly hematite-rich ironstone

Hematite/goethite-bearing ironstone; predominantly Fe₂O₃ and FeO(OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark reddish-brown, earthy to submetallic luster, smoothly water-worn surface with irregular pits and ridges; likely hardness about 5–6.5 Mohs and high specific gravity. Exact mineral identification requires a streak test and magnetism test.

Identified August 10, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich weathered stone, possibly hematite-rich ironstone
Scientific name: Hematite/goethite-bearing ironstone; predominantly Fe₂O₃ and FeO(OH)
Category: mineral
Identified: August 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common unverified specimen; $30–$100+ if unusually shaped, polished, locality-labeled, or mineralogically confirmed.

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 a naturally weathered and rounded iron-rich concretion or ironstone formed by oxidation and precipitation of iron minerals in soil, sediment, or hydrothermal environments; age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common ironstone is used as iron ore, pigment, and occasionally as a lapidary or display stone; this specimen has mainly decorative or collecting value.

Geological facts

Hematite produces a distinctive red-to-reddish-brown streak even when the exterior appears nearly black. Goethite-rich material may show yellow-brown streaks and stronger earthy texture.

Field identification & locations

Test an inconspicuous area: hematite streak is red-brown, goethite is yellow-brown, and magnetite gives a black streak and is strongly magnetic. Common sources include Australia, Brazil, India, and iron-rich sedimentary terrains worldwide.