sedimentary

Weathered sandstone or iron-stained sedimentary rock

Quartz-rich clastic sandstone; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tan to brown, dull and granular, likely composed mainly of quartz with feldspar, clay, and iron oxides; Mohs hardness about 6–7 for grains but the rock may crumble. No obvious crystals or cleavage; porosity appears moderate.

Identified September 4, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand accumulated, compacted, and cemented in a river, beach, dune, or shallow-marine environment; its age cannot be determined from the image and may range from hundreds of millions to only a few million years.

Uses & applications

Common sandstone is used as building stone, paving, aggregate, and occasionally as a carving stone; this small weathered piece has little commercial value.

Geological facts

The brown coloration commonly results from hematite or limonite coatings. A hand lens should reveal sand-sized grains and possible rounded or angular quartz particles.

Field identification & locations

Likely locations include sedimentary basins worldwide. Confirm by checking for gritty texture, visible grains, weak acid reaction, and a streak or scratch test; it may alternatively be weathered granite or concretion.