sedimentary

Red sandstone pebble

Quartz-rich sandstone, likely iron-oxide stained (composition varies)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Fine-grained, reddish-brown with a dull, gritty surface; mostly quartz grains cemented by iron oxides or silica. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, but the rock’s hardness varies; no visible crystals or cleavage.

Identified October 4, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as sand deposited and compacted in a sedimentary basin, then cemented; its age cannot be determined from the image and may range from relatively young to hundreds of millions of years.

Uses & applications

Sandstone is used as building and paving stone, landscaping material, and a source of construction aggregate; this small pebble is mainly suitable for collecting or decoration.

Geological facts

The red coloration commonly comes from hematite or other iron oxides coating sand grains.

Field identification & locations

Look for a gritty texture and sand-sized grains, sometimes visible with a hand lens; red sandstone occurs worldwide, including in arid and ancient river or desert deposits. The rounded shape suggests transport by water or abrasion.