mineral

Likely ironstone or weathered iron-rich rock

Hematite/goethite-bearing ferruginous concretion; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-orange, dull to earthy luster, irregular rounded pebble with likely iron-oxide staining. Hematite has Mohs hardness 5–6.5 and specific gravity 4.9–5.3; goethite is 5–5.5 and about 4.3.

Identified August 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Brown-orange, dull to earthy luster, irregular rounded pebble with likely iron-oxide staining. Hematite has Mohs hardness 5–6.5 and specific gravity 4.9–5.3; goethite is 5–5.5 and about 4.3.

Formation & geological history

Forms when iron-bearing minerals oxidize during weathering, often producing concretions or nodules in soils and sedimentary rocks. The specimen’s age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Common iron ores are used in steel production and as mineral pigments; small pieces are mainly educational or collectible.

Geological facts

A reddish-brown streak on unglazed porcelain strongly supports hematite or goethite. A strong magnet may indicate associated magnetite, but pure hematite is usually weakly magnetic or nonmagnetic.

Field identification & locations

Common in weathered iron-rich soils and sedimentary formations worldwide, especially the Great Lakes region, Australia, Brazil, and parts of Africa. Test streak, magnetism, hardness, and density; the coin-like object provides no reliable scale identification.