sedimentary

Rounded iron-rich sandstone or weathered ironstone pebble

Ferruginous sandstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides/hydroxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness approximately 6–7 where quartz-rich; mustard-brown to orange, dull earthy luster, fine-grained and massive, with no obvious cleavage. The rounded shape indicates prolonged abrasion in a stream, beach, or gravel deposit.

Identified August 16, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Rounded iron-rich sandstone or weathered ironstone pebble
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides/hydroxides
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as a common hand specimen; potentially $10–$30 if unusually attractive, polished, or locally significant.

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 when quartz sand was lithified and later colored or cemented by hematite/goethite. The exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph; such material forms in many sedimentary basins and weathering environments.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as aggregate, fill, or landscaping stone; attractive pieces may be collected as curiosities, but this specimen has little commercial gemstone value.

Geological facts

Iron oxides produce the orange-brown coloration, while darker green-gray patches may represent altered minerals or reduced iron zones. A streak test on unglazed porcelain may produce a yellow-brown to reddish-brown mark.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty texture, visible sand grains, rusty staining, and a lack of glassy crystal faces; it should not fizz strongly in dilute hydrochloric acid. Common in river gravels, beaches, desert pavements, and weathered sandstone outcrops.