sedimentary

Rounded iron-rich stone, likely hematite-bearing sandstone or ironstone

Hematite/goethite-bearing ferruginous sandstone or ironstone; composition cannot be confirmed from appearance alone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Reddish-brown, opaque, earthy to weakly metallic luster, rounded and apparently weathered; likely Mohs hardness about 5–6, with no visible crystal faces or cleavage. Hematite commonly gives a red-brown streak; specific gravity is often elevated (about 3–5).

Identified September 8, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Rounded iron-rich stone, likely hematite-bearing sandstone or ironstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Rounded iron-rich stone, likely hematite-bearing sandstone or ironstone
Scientific name: Hematite/goethite-bearing ferruginous sandstone or ironstone; composition cannot be confirmed from appearance alone
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $2–$15 for a common pebble; $20–$75 if unusually attractive, strongly magnetic, or analytically confirmed.

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

Probably formed from iron-oxide-cemented sediment or weathered iron-rich rock, then rounded by transport; age is indeterminate from the photograph. It could also be a naturally tumbled hematite-rich pebble.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a lapidary, teaching, or mineral-collecting specimen; hematite is an important iron ore and ironstone may be used as aggregate or building stone.

Geological facts

The smooth reddish surface and dark pits suggest iron oxides such as hematite and goethite, but the image does not establish a precise identification.

Field identification & locations

Test a fresh surface for a red-to-reddish-brown streak, magnetism, and hardness; a streak test and density measurement would distinguish it from jasper or slag. Common sources include ironstone deposits, stream gravels, and weathered basaltic terrains.