sedimentary
Puddingstone
Conglomerate
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Matrix is often light to dark brown or red with colorful rounded clasts of jasper/chert, Luster: Dull to waxy, Crystal Structure: Clastic
- Hardness
- 6
- Luster
- Dull to waxy, Crystal Structure: Clastic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Matrix is often light to dark brown or red with colorful rounded clasts of jasper/chert, Luster: Dull to waxy, Crystal Structure: Clastic
Formation & geological history
Formed during the Neoproterozoic or Paleozoic eras as river-borne gravel and pebbles were deposited and cemented together by a fine-grained silica-rich matrix over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a decorative stone, in landscaping, and in jewelry (as polished cabochons). Historically used for grinding grain and in building foundations.
Geological facts
The name comes from the stone's resemblance to a traditional English plum pudding. Michigan and Ontario puddingstones are famous for containing bright red jasper clasts.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for distinct, rounded, colorful stone 'plums' embedded in a solid matrix. Common in the Great Lakes region, particularly on St. Joseph Island and the Drummond Island area.
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Sandstone or Siltstone
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Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
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Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
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Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
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Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
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Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
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