sedimentary

Rounded iron-rich sandstone or weathered laterite pebble

Ferruginous sandstone; likely quartz with iron-oxide cement (hematite/goethite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness roughly 5–7 Mohs; salmon-brown to reddish brown, dull to earthy luster, very fine-grained and massive, with subtle pores and weathering cracks. Individual crystals are not visible; specific gravity is typically about 2.3–2.7.

Identified September 8, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed from compacted quartz-rich sand cemented by iron oxides, then rounded by stream or shoreline transport; its precise geological age cannot be determined from the photograph. The smooth surface may also reflect natural abrasion or light tumbling.

Uses & applications

Common material has little commercial value, though attractive pieces may be used as décor, lapidary specimens, or educational samples; ferruginous sandstone can serve locally as building or paving stone.

Geological facts

The reddish color comes mainly from oxidized iron minerals rather than abundant red crystals. Small cavities and irregular seams are consistent with differential cementation and weathering.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty texture under magnification, weakly visible sand grains, and possible reddish-brown streaking; a steel nail may scratch softer areas, while dilute acid should show little reaction. Similar pebbles occur widely in river gravels and weathered sedimentary terrains.