sedimentary

Rounded quartz-rich sandstone pebble

Quartz arenite or feldspathic sandstone; primarily SiO₂ quartz grains with minor feldspar, iron oxides, and clay minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Fine- to medium-grained, pale gray-beige, matte to slightly sandy luster, rounded and smoothed by abrasion; likely Mohs hardness 6–7 overall, with visible small pores and iron-stained patches. Sedimentary clastic texture; bedding is obscured by weathering and rounding.

Identified August 21, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Rounded quartz-rich sandstone pebble
Scientific name: Quartz arenite or feldspathic sandstone; primarily SiO₂ quartz grains with minor feldspar, iron oxides, and clay minerals
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$1–$10 as a common pebble; usually little commercial collector value unless locality, fossil content, or unusual color is 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

Lithified sand deposited in a river, beach, dune, or shallow-marine setting, then cemented by silica, carbonate, or iron minerals; the pebble was later rounded by transport. Exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Mostly a natural decorative or landscaping stone, paperweight, or teaching specimen; sandstone is also used for building stone, paving, aggregate, and historically sculpture.

Geological facts

The smooth oval shape indicates prolonged water or wave abrasion rather than original rock shape. Acid reaction, if present, would suggest carbonate cement rather than a purely quartz-cemented sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Common in streambeds, beaches, and gravel deposits. Identify by gritty texture, abundant sand-sized grains, lack of interlocking crystals, and possible vinegar or dilute-acid reaction; a hand lens helps distinguish quartz from feldspar.