sedimentary

Weathered sandstone or iron-rich sedimentary rock

Clastic sandstone, likely ferruginous sandstone; primarily quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide cement

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown to tan, dull earthy luster, visibly granular and weakly layered; individual grains appear sand-sized. Typical hardness is about 6–7 for quartz grains, but the rock may crumble along weathered surfaces; cleavage absent and specific gravity roughly 2.2–2.7.

Identified August 14, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered sandstone or iron-rich sedimentary rock
Scientific name: Clastic sandstone, likely ferruginous sandstone; primarily quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide cement
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a common hand specimen; $20–$75 if unusually attractive, fossil-bearing, or locality-specific.

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, likely in a river, dune, or shallow-marine environment. Its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph; brown coloration reflects oxidation of iron-bearing minerals.

Uses & applications

Used as building or paving stone, aggregate, and occasionally as a decorative specimen. Common pieces have little commercial value unless unusually patterned, fossiliferous, or from a notable locality.

Geological facts

The rusty brown color commonly comes from hematite or limonite coatings around quartz grains. Weathering can produce a rough, friable exterior while leaving a more coherent interior.

Field identification & locations

Common in sedimentary terrains worldwide, including Utah, Arizona, Colorado, India, and Australia. Confirm by examining sand-sized grains, testing a fresh surface, and checking that it does not fizz strongly with dilute acid; field identification remains tentative from this low-resolution image.