sedimentary

Weathered sandstone or arkose fragment

Quartz-rich clastic sedimentary rock; likely sandstone/arkose (dominantly SiO₂ quartz with feldspar and lithic grains)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tan, gray, and rusty-brown, with a dull to slightly gritty luster and visibly granular texture; hardness roughly 6–7 for quartz grains, but the whole rock varies. No obvious cleavage; rounded edges reflect weathering or abrasion.

Identified August 8, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered sandstone or arkose fragment
Scientific name: Quartz-rich clastic sedimentary rock; likely sandstone/arkose (dominantly SiO₂ quartz with feldspar and lithic grains)
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$1–$10 as an ordinary hand specimen; approximately $10–$30 if unusually attractive, locality-documented, or fossil-bearing.

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 accumulated, was compacted, and cemented by silica, calcite, or iron oxides, probably in a river, alluvial, or nearshore setting. Exact age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as building stone, paving, aggregate, and decorative landscaping rock; this irregular specimen has little jewelry value.

Geological facts

The rusty coloration typically comes from iron-oxide staining, while gray areas may reflect quartz-rich cement or altered rock fragments.

Field identification & locations

Identify by rubbing a fresh surface: sandstone feels gritty and commonly shows individual grains; quartz-rich portions scratch glass, while dilute hydrochloric acid fizzes only if calcite cement is present. Common worldwide, especially in sedimentary basins.