Rock Identifier
Sandstone or Quartzite pebble (Sandstone (Quartz arenite) or Quartzite) — sedimentary or metamorphic
sedimentary or metamorphic

Sandstone or Quartzite pebble

Sandstone (Quartz arenite) or Quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on Mohs scale depending on whether it is sandstone or quartzite. Color is brownish-yellow to tan with lighter bands. Luster is dull to slightly waxy. Granular texture.

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Physical properties

Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on Mohs scale depending on whether it is sandstone or quartzite. Color is brownish-yellow to tan with lighter bands. Luster is dull to slightly waxy. Granular texture.

Formation & geological history

Formed from sand-sized grains, typically quartz, cemented together over time in sedimentary basins, or metamorphosed under heat and pressure into quartzite. Rounded by water transport in a river or beach environment.

Uses & applications

Common landscape rock, sometimes collected for tumbling or decorative uses.

Geological facts

Banded appearance is often due to variations in mineral content or iron staining during deposition or subsequent weathering.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits. Identified by its granular texture and banding.

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Other sedimentary or metamorphic specimens

Natural freshwater pearls (Pearl (nacreous calcium carbonate; chiefly aragonite, CaCO₃)) — gemstone

Natural freshwater pearls

Pearl (nacreous calcium carbonate; chiefly aragonite, CaCO₃)

gemstone
Dark gray rounded river pebble (Likely basalt or fine-grained volcanic rock; exact identification requires testing) — igneous

Dark gray rounded river pebble

Likely basalt or fine-grained volcanic rock; exact identification requires testing

igneous
Weathered dark stone, possibly basalt (Basalt; commonly plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and minor olivine) — igneous

Weathered dark stone, possibly basalt

Basalt; commonly plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and minor olivine

igneous
Painted River Rock (Artificially Coated Sedimentary Rock) — sedimentary

Painted River Rock

Artificially Coated Sedimentary Rock

sedimentary
Rounded gray river cobble (Likely fine-grained sandstone, siltstone, or metamorphosed equivalent; exact identification requires a fresh surface and tests) — sedimentary

Rounded gray river cobble

Likely fine-grained sandstone, siltstone, or metamorphosed equivalent; exact identification requires a fresh surface and tests

sedimentary
Quartz-bearing granite or pegmatite fragment (Likely granitic material composed mainly of quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and possibly biotite or hornblende) — igneous

Quartz-bearing granite or pegmatite fragment

Likely granitic material composed mainly of quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and possibly biotite or hornblende

igneous