sedimentary
Rounded yellow-brown pebble
Likely iron-stained sandstone or quartz-rich river cobble
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectFine-grained, dull to weakly earthy luster, tan-yellow with dark inclusions, and smoothly water-worn. Likely hardness about 6–7 Mohs if quartz-rich; cleavage is absent and specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.
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Physical properties
Fine-grained, dull to weakly earthy luster, tan-yellow with dark inclusions, and smoothly water-worn. Likely hardness about 6–7 Mohs if quartz-rich; cleavage is absent and specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Probably weathered from sandstone or a quartz-rich sediment and rounded by river or shoreline transport; its exact geological age and source cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Primarily a decorative or collected pebble; sandstone may be used as building or paving stone, though this small specimen has no significant industrial value.
Geological facts
The yellow-brown color commonly results from iron-oxide or iron-hydroxide staining, while the dark flecks may be lithic or iron-bearing minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify with a hand lens and streak, hardness, and acid tests: quartz-rich material scratches glass and leaves little streak; calcite-rich rock fizzes in dilute hydrochloric acid. Common in river gravels, beaches, and glacial deposits.
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