sedimentary

Rounded iron-rich pebble, possibly weathered laterite or ironstone

Ironstone/lateritic ferricrete; predominantly goethite–hematite with clay and quartz impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness typically 4–6 Mohs; rusty orange-brown, dull to earthy luster, fine-grained and noncrystalline-looking, with possible pale quartz or clay spots. Specific gravity commonly about 2.5–4.0, depending on iron content.

Identified August 26, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Rounded iron-rich pebble, possibly weathered laterite or ironstone
Scientific name: Ironstone/lateritic ferricrete; predominantly goethite–hematite with clay and quartz impurities
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 26, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as an unattributed pebble; roughly $10–$30 if locality and composition are documented.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed by intense chemical weathering and iron accumulation in tropical or subtropical soils, then rounded by transport; age cannot be determined from the image. It could also be an iron-rich concretion or weathered volcanic fragment.

Uses & applications

Used as iron ore when sufficiently rich, and as aggregate or lapidary material; this small rounded specimen has mainly educational or decorative value.

Geological facts

Iron oxides produce the orange-brown color, while dark gray areas may contain manganese oxides or hematite. A streak test and magnet test would help distinguish it from ordinary brown sandstone or volcanic rock.

Field identification & locations

Look for a yellow-brown to red streak, earthy texture, and locally strong magnetism; a fresh surface may reveal metallic gray hematite. Common in tropical weathering profiles, river gravels, and iron-rich sedimentary terrains.