sedimentary

Rounded yellow-brown pebble

Likely iron-stained sandstone or quartz-rich river cobble

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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.

Identified August 10, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

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.