sedimentary

Weathered iron-rich sandstone or ironstone

Ferruginous sandstone; likely quartz-rich sandstone cemented or stained by iron oxides (hematite/goethite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown to rusty, dull earthy luster, visibly granular and porous with irregular fractures. Likely hardness about 5–7 where quartz-rich, with softer crumbly iron-oxide zones; no clear crystal faces or cleavage are visible.

Identified September 11, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Weathered iron-rich sandstone or ironstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Weathered iron-rich sandstone or ironstone
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; likely quartz-rich sandstone cemented or stained by iron oxides (hematite/goethite)
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$10 as a loose common specimen; up to about $20–$50 if unusually dense, patterned, or fossiliferous.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand was deposited and lithified, then permeated by iron-bearing groundwater that produced hematite/goethite staining or cement. The specimen appears strongly weathered; its precise geologic age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as local building or landscaping stone and occasionally collected as an attractive ironstone. It has little gem value unless unusually dense, patterned, or fossil-bearing.

Geological facts

A magnet test may detect magnetite but ordinary hematite/goethite-rich sandstone is often weakly magnetic or nonmagnetic. A reddish-brown streak and rusty weathering support iron oxides.

Field identification & locations

The Kansas City region near 39.1°N, 94.5°W is dominated by sedimentary rocks, making sandstone/ironstone plausible. Test a fresh surface for gritty quartz grains, streak it on unglazed ceramic, and check whether dilute hydrochloric acid fizzes; strong fizz would instead suggest carbonate rock.