sedimentary
Sandstone Pebble
Ferruginous Sandstone (SiO2 with Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness around 6 to 7, dull to earthy luster, reddish-brown to dark tan color, granular texture made of rounded quartz grains bound by iron oxide cement.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness around 6 to 7, dull to earthy luster, reddish-brown to dark tan color, granular texture made of rounded quartz grains bound by iron oxide cement.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sand grains in ancient riverbeds, beaches, or desert environments, heavily stained by iron oxides. Sub-rounded shape caused by stream or wave erosion.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as decorative landscaping rock, building material in larger masses, or collected as river stones/pebbles.
Geological facts
The distinct reddish-brown color is caused by hematite or goethite (iron oxide minerals) acting as the cementing agent between quartz grains. Over millions of years, water transport rounds off the sharp edges into smooth river pebbles like this one.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gritty sand-like feel, fine granular texture, and reddish iron oxide staining. Extremely common along riverbeds, beaches, and gravel deposits worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary