sedimentary

Weathered iron-rich sandstone or lateritic rock

Ferruginous sandstone/laterite; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides such as hematite and goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 5–7, opaque reddish-brown, earthy to dull luster, fine-grained and massive, with irregular cavities and no obvious cleavage. The rusty color indicates iron-oxide cement or weathering.

Identified August 10, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered iron-rich sandstone or lateritic rock
Scientific name: Ferruginous sandstone/laterite; chiefly quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides such as hematite and goethite
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Usually $1–$10 for an ordinary fragment; up to about $20–$50 if unusually shaped, polished, 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

Likely formed from quartz-rich sediment cemented by iron oxides, or from intense tropical weathering that produced laterite; exact age and origin cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common material has little commercial value, though sandstone may be used for building stone and laterite for aggregate or low-grade construction. Attractive pieces are mainly collected as curiosities.

Geological facts

Iron oxidation produces the red, brown, and purple coloration; cavity development may reflect weathering, dissolved grains, or vesicle-like voids rather than true volcanic vesicles.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty quartz grains, reddish powder or streak, high density, and attraction to neither or only weakly to a magnet. It could also be an iron-rich volcanic or metamorphic fragment, so a fresh break, streak test, and hand lens would improve identification.