sedimentary

Weathered sandstone or siltstone

Clastic sedimentary rock, chiefly quartz and feldspar grains cemented by silica, iron oxides, or carbonate

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness typically 6–7 for quartz-rich grains; dull to earthy luster, pinkish tan to brown coloration, and visibly granular or slightly layered texture. The rounded surface and mottled iron staining indicate substantial weathering; exact mineralogy cannot be confirmed from the image alone.

Identified August 8, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered sandstone or siltstone
Scientific name: Clastic sedimentary rock, chiefly quartz and feldspar grains cemented by silica, iron oxides, or carbonate
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Generally $1–$15 for a common hand specimen; attractive banded or unusually colored pieces may sell for approximately $20–$75.

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- or silt-sized sediment was deposited, compacted, and cemented, commonly in river, floodplain, or shallow-marine settings. Its age is indeterminate from the photograph and could range from Precambrian to recent geological formations.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as building stone, paving, landscaping rock, aggregate, and occasionally as a decorative or carving stone. Typical unexceptional specimens have little commercial collector value.

Geological facts

Pink and brown tones commonly result from hematite or other iron-oxide coatings on quartz and feldspar grains. Weathering can round edges and produce the dark rind visible on parts of the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its gritty texture, clastic grains, possible bedding, and tendency to shed sand; a glass-scratch test may indicate abundant quartz, though it is not definitive. Sandstone is widespread worldwide, especially in sedimentary basins and exposed cliffs.