sedimentary

Rounded sandstone pebble

Quartz-rich sandstone, likely arkose or quartz arenite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs hardness 6–7 overall; pale cream to tan, dull to slightly gritty, with fine sand-sized grains and no visible cleavage. Rounded shape and smooth surface indicate prolonged abrasion, likely in a stream, beach, or glacial deposit.

Identified August 28, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Lithified sand cemented by silica, calcite, or iron oxides; the original sediment may range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic in age, but the exact age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a decorative stone, landscaping pebble, aquarium material, or geological teaching specimen; generally has little jewelry or industrial value as an individual pebble.

Geological facts

Sandstone is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar grains bound by cement. Its rounded form is an erosion feature rather than a distinct mineral crystal shape.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible sand grains, gritty texture, and weak reaction or no reaction to dilute acid; quartz-rich pieces resist scratching by steel, though cement may be softer. Common worldwide in riverbeds, beaches, deserts, and sedimentary rock formations.