sedimentary

Rounded sandstone or quartzite pebble

Indeterminate; likely quartz-rich sandstone (SiO₂-dominated)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness approximately 6–7 Mohs; rusty orange-brown, dull to finely granular, and smoothly water-rounded. The color likely comes from iron-oxide staining; crystal grains are too fine to resolve confidently.

Identified September 1, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably eroded from a sandstone or quartzite outcrop and rounded by stream or beach transport; its precise geological age and source cannot be determined from the image. Quartzite would be metamorphic rather than sedimentary, but texture is insufficient for certainty.

Uses & applications

Suitable as a decorative stone, landscaping pebble, craft material, or aggregate; generally little jewelry value unless it has unusual patterning or provenance.

Geological facts

The smooth shape indicates prolonged abrasion during transport. Orange coloration commonly reflects hematite or limonite coatings between quartz grains.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty granular texture, abundant quartz grains, and a glassy scratch on a steel file; quartzite is typically harder and more massive, while sandstone may shed grains or show bedding. Common in stream gravels, beaches, and glacial deposits.