sedimentary

Weathered iron-rich sandstone or lateritic rock

Quartz-rich sandstone with iron-oxide/hydroxide cement; possible goethite-bearing laterite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Light olive-tan, dull and earthy, porous, and fine-grained with irregular fracture; likely hardness about 5–7 where quartz-rich, with softer clay and iron-oxide areas. No visible crystal faces or cleavage; exact composition requires testing.

Identified August 9, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered iron-rich sandstone or lateritic rock
Scientific name: Quartz-rich sandstone with iron-oxide/hydroxide cement; possible goethite-bearing laterite
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 9, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$10 as an ordinary specimen; up to about $20–$50 if unusual, attractively colored, or locally significant.

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

Probably formed from compacted sand or intensely weathered soil, later cemented by silica and iron oxides. Its precise geological age and setting cannot be determined from the photograph alone.

Uses & applications

Common material has little commercial value, though similar sandstone is used for aggregate, building stone, and landscaping; iron-rich varieties may be collected as mineral specimens.

Geological facts

The greenish-brown color may reflect chlorite, clay minerals, or weathering-related iron compounds rather than a single mineral. The specimen’s rough, crumbly surface suggests substantial surface alteration.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty quartz grains, visible bedding, a weak acid reaction if carbonate cement is present, and a reddish-brown streak or magnetic response if iron minerals are abundant. Common in weathered sedimentary terrains worldwide.