
sedimentary
Likely weathered iron-rich stone or concretion
Indeterminate; possibly ferruginous sandstone, ironstone, or a weathered sedimentary concretion
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark brown to gray, dull to weakly earthy luster, irregular granular surface, and apparently rounded/cobbly form. Hardness is estimated around 5–7 Mohs, but crystal structure, cleavage, and specific gravity cannot be determined reliably from this photograph.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Likely weathered iron-rich stone or concretion in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Dark brown to gray, dull to weakly earthy luster, irregular granular surface, and apparently rounded/cobbly form. Hardness is estimated around 5–7 Mohs, but crystal structure, cleavage, and specific gravity cannot be determined reliably from this photograph.
Formation & geological history
Likely formed by sediment cemented with iron oxides, or by groundwater concentrating iron into a concretion; age and precise environment are unknown. The rounded shape may result from natural abrasion or human shaping.
Uses & applications
Common material has little commercial value and may be used as aggregate or a decorative specimen; value is generally $1–$10 unless it proves to be an unusual mineral, fossil, or meteorite.
Geological facts
The reddish-brown coloration is consistent with hematite or goethite coatings, but the image does not show diagnostic crystals or metallic fusion features.
Field identification & locations
Test for a strong magnet response, streak on unglazed porcelain, hardness, and density; a reddish-brown streak suggests hematite, while a yellow-brown streak suggests goethite. Common possibilities occur widely in weathered soils, river gravels, and sedimentary formations; identification remains uncertain without a clearer image and tests.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary