Rock Identifier
Rounded river pebble, likely fine-grained sandstone or siltstone (Indeterminate clastic sedimentary rock; possibly quartz-rich sandstone) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Rounded river pebble, likely fine-grained sandstone or siltstone

Indeterminate clastic sedimentary rock; possibly quartz-rich sandstone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Fine-grained, tan-gray, matte and strongly rounded, with a slightly granular surface; likely Mohs hardness 5–7, no visible cleavage, and low-to-moderate specific gravity. The dark circular area may be natural iron staining, a weathered inclusion, or surface coating.

Identified More sedimentary
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Physical properties

Fine-grained, tan-gray, matte and strongly rounded, with a slightly granular surface; likely Mohs hardness 5–7, no visible cleavage, and low-to-moderate specific gravity. The dark circular area may be natural iron staining, a weathered inclusion, or surface coating.

Formation & geological history

Probably formed from compacted and cemented sand or silt, then smoothed by prolonged water or shoreline abrasion. Exact geological age and composition cannot be determined reliably from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Primarily a decorative or collected pebble; sandstone may be used as building or paving stone, but this small specimen has no practical industrial value.

Geological facts

Its rounded shape indicates substantial transport or wave abrasion. The apparent central bump may be a concretion, mineral inclusion, or simply an irregular weathered surface.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible grains, bedding, acid reaction, and streak; a hand lens and hardness test are useful, while laboratory tests are needed for firm identification. Similar pebbles occur in river gravels, beaches, and glacial deposits worldwide.