sedimentary

Rounded sandstone pebble

Quartz-rich sandstone, likely ferruginous sandstone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tan-orange, dull to earthy luster, visibly granular and rounded; mainly quartz grains cemented by silica or iron oxides. Hardness is roughly 6–7 for grains but variable overall; no obvious cleavage, with typical specific gravity around 2.2–2.7.

Identified August 17, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Rounded sandstone pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand was compacted and cemented in an ancient river, beach, dune, or shallow-marine setting; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph. Natural abrasion or tumbling produced the rounded shape.

Uses & applications

Used as building stone, paving aggregate, and decorative material; small pieces are common inexpensive collections or craft specimens rather than jewelry gems.

Geological facts

The orange coloration commonly comes from hematite or other iron-oxide coatings. A glassy quartz grain texture and gritty feel distinguish sandstone from many similarly colored minerals.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, especially in sedimentary basins; prominent examples occur in Utah, Arizona, the Colorado Plateau, and many coastal or river deposits. Confirm with a hand lens, gritty texture, and a streak or scratch test; the image alone cannot exclude weathered quartzite or iron-rich chert.