sedimentary
Red Sandstone Pebble
Arenite with iron oxide (Hematite)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: reddish-brown to terracotta; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: clastic/granular; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- reddish-brown to terracotta
- Luster
- dull to earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Red Sandstone Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: reddish-brown to terracotta; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: clastic/granular; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. The reddish hue is caused by iron oxide staining (Hematite). This specific specimen appears water-worn, likely found in a riverbed or coastal area.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as construction aggregate, source of sand, decorative landscaping stone, and historically as a building material for monuments and cathedrals.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 10-20% of the Earth's crustal sedimentary rocks. The famous 'Red Rocks' of the American Southwest are composed of similar iron-rich sandstones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible grains. Often found in riverbeds, canyons, or coastal beaches. Collectors value specimens with unique erosion patterns or stripes.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary