Rock Identifier
Sandstone or Quartzite Pebble (Arenite or Quartzite) — sedimentary or metamorphic
sedimentary or metamorphic

Sandstone or Quartzite Pebble

Arenite or Quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Brown, tan, earthy tones, Luster: Dull to slightly waxy from smoothing, Texture: Fine-grained, rounded by water action.

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Brown, tan, earthy tones, Luster: Dull to slightly waxy from smoothing, Texture: Fine-grained, rounded by water action.

Formation & geological history

Formed from compressed sand (sedimentary sandstone) or metamorphosed sandstone (quartzite), then rounded through mechanical weathering in a river or beach environment over long periods of time.

Uses & applications

Used in landscaping, decorative stone, and as a worry stone or tactile object. Commercially, sandstones are used for construction.

Geological facts

River rocks and beach pebbles get their smooth, rounded shapes from constant tumbling in moving water, which grinds off rough edges.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its granular texture (often visible under a lens) and smooth, rounded shape. Very common in riverbeds and coastal areas.

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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