sedimentary

Red Sandstone Pebble

Arenite (Fe2O3 enriched)

Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale if silica-cemented); Color: Brick red to reddish-brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Texture: Granular and gritty; Composition: Predominantly quartz grains with hematite coating.

Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale if silica-cemented)
Color: Brick red to reddish-brown
Luster: Dull or earthy

Identified July 7, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and litification of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. The red color indicates the presence of iron oxide (hematite), typically forming in arid or continental environments such as deserts or river beds during the Phanerozoic eon.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative gravel, in landscaping, or as architectural building stone when found in larger slabs. Small pebbles like this are popular for rock tumbling and as educational specimens.

Geological facts

The red color is often a signature of 'Red Beds,' sequence of sedimentary rocks that provide evidence of oxygen in the ancient atmosphere. Famous formations include the Grand Canyon and the Red Rocks of Sedona.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty feel like sandpaper and its distinct reddish-brown streak. It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and desert basins. For collectors, look for cross-bedding patterns which indicate ancient wind or water current directions.