sedimentary

Rounded quartz-rich sandstone or quartzite pebble

Likely lithic/quartz arenite; composition mainly quartz (SiO₂) with minor feldspar and iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-beige, fine-grained, dull to slightly sugary luster, with subtle bedding or lamination and rounded edges from abrasion. Approximate hardness 6–7 Mohs; cleavage absent; specific gravity about 2.6–2.7. The image is insufficient to distinguish weakly cemented sandstone from metamorphosed quartzite.

Identified September 13, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Rounded quartz-rich sandstone or quartzite pebble
Scientific name: Likely lithic/quartz arenite; composition mainly quartz (SiO₂) with minor feldspar and iron-oxide staining
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$10 as a common collected pebble; more if confirmed as an attractive, locality-documented quartzite specimen.

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

Most likely deposited as sand in a river, beach, or shallow-marine setting, then lithified by compaction and silica cement; if quartzite, later low-grade metamorphism recrystallized the grains. The specimen’s geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common sandstone is used for construction aggregate, paving, building stone, and occasionally carving; quartzite is used as durable aggregate, facing stone, countertops, and decorative material. This rounded pebble has little commercial value.

Geological facts

The parallel faint bands may represent sedimentary bedding, though surface weathering can mimic layering. Iron oxides commonly produce the rusty brown tones visible on the nearby material and possibly minor staining on the pebble.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible sand grains and porous, gritty fracture for sandstone; a hard, fused, sparkly granular texture and very low porosity suggest quartzite. Common in stream and beach gravels worldwide; a vinegar test is generally uninformative.