sedimentary
Ironstone (Limonitic/Hematitic Sandstone)
Ferruginous sandstone (predominantly Fe2O3 and FeO(OH))
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5-6 (variable), Color: Dark brown to reddish-orange, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Structure: Granular or concretionary, heavy for its size due to iron content.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Ironstone (Limonitic/Hematitic Sandstone) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 (variable), Color: Dark brown to reddish-orange, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Structure: Granular or concretionary, heavy for its size due to iron content.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the chemical precipitation of iron oxides within sedimentary layers, or as a residual deposit from the weathering of other iron-rich rocks. Common in terrestrial and shallow marine environments.
Uses & applications
A historic source of iron ore; currently used as a decorative stone, in construction as road metal, and for landscaping.
Geological facts
Ironstone concretions can sometimes form 'rattle stones' where a loose core creates sound. Famous deposits provided the raw material for the Industrial Revolution in regions like the English Midlands.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic rusty red-brown streak, high density, and localized staining of surrounding soil. Frequently found in riverbeds and eroded hillsides.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary