sedimentary

Likely iron-rich sandstone or weathered jasper

Ferruginous sandstone; possibly microcrystalline quartz (jasper) with iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-red, opaque, earthy to slightly dull luster, with an irregular rounded surface and apparent granular mottling. Likely hardness about 6–7 Mohs if quartz-rich; cleavage absent and specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.

Identified August 25, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably formed from quartz-rich sediment cemented by iron oxides, or from silica-rich material later stained and weathered by groundwater. Exact age and identification require a close-up, fresh surface, and tests.

Uses & applications

Common material has little commercial value, though jasper varieties are used for cabochons, carvings, tumbling, and decorative objects; sandstone is used locally as building or paving stone.

Geological facts

Iron minerals such as hematite and goethite produce the reddish-brown coloration. The specimen appears naturally rounded or tumbled, but the image resolution prevents confident discrimination from other brown stones.

Field identification & locations

Look for quartz grains, a glassy fracture, and no reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid; a streak test and hardness test can distinguish it from softer mudstone or ceramic. Similar stones occur widely in iron-bearing sedimentary terrains.