sedimentary

Weathered iron-rich sandstone or ironstone nodule

Ferruginous sandstone; primarily quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides/hydroxides such as hematite and goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6–7 where quartz-rich, with earthy yellow-brown to reddish coloration, dull to weakly vitreous luster, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded shape, porous weathering, and dark iron staining are consistent with a natural concretion or weathered sandstone fragment.

Identified September 9, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered iron-rich sandstone or ironstone nodule
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone; primarily quartz (SiO₂) cemented or stained by iron oxides/hydroxides such as hematite and goethite
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 9, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$15 as an ordinary specimen; more if it has unusual textures, fossils, or provenance.

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 quartz sand lithified and iron-bearing fluids cemented or stained the rock, typically in oxidizing soils or shallow sedimentary environments; exact age cannot be determined from the image. Weathering rounded the exposed specimen.

Uses & applications

Usually a common landscaping, teaching, or collecting specimen with little commercial value; ferruginous sandstone can be used as aggregate or building stone when sound.

Geological facts

Iron oxides produce the ochre, mustard, and brown colors. The image does not show diagnostic crystals or fossils, so a precise identification requires a fresh surface, streak, hardness, and density tests.

Field identification & locations

Common in weathered sedimentary terrains worldwide. Check for a gritty quartz texture, white-to-brown streak, and resistance to scratching by a steel file; a magnet may show weak attraction if magnetite is present.