sedimentary

Rounded sandstone pebble

Quartz-rich sandstone, likely ferruginous arkose or litharenite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown to tan, fine- to medium-grained, dull earthy luster, and rounded water-worn form; likely Mohs hardness about 6–7 overall, though individual grains may disaggregate. Visible pits and darker iron-oxide staining are consistent with porous sandstone.

Identified September 10, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Lithified sand deposited in a river, beach, dune, or shallow-marine setting, then cemented by silica, calcite, or iron oxides; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the image. Later erosion rounded it into a pebble.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collectible or decorative stone; sandstone is widely used as building stone, paving, aggregate, and occasionally for carving.

Geological facts

The reddish-brown color commonly comes from hematite or goethite coatings on quartz and feldspar grains. A hand lens should reveal granular texture rather than a crystalline sugary fracture.

Field identification & locations

Common in sedimentary terrains and stream or beach gravels worldwide. Test for visible sand grains, porous texture, and weak reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid; strong fizz would indicate calcite cement or limestone instead.