Where is Iron-rich Sandstone found?
Sedimentary rock, likely sandstone with iron oxide cement
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Open the appIron-rich Sandstone occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Iron-rich Sandstone
Colorado Plateau, USA
Extensive formations like the Navajo Sandstone and Entrada Sandstone exhibit significant iron-rich coloration, particularly in areas like Zion National Park and Arches National Park.
Western Australia
While known for Banded Iron Formations, many younger sedimentary sequences also contain significant iron-rich sandstones, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, North Africa
Vast sandstone units, often iron-stained, underlie large parts of Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and Chad.
Devonian Old Red Sandstone, UK
Classic examples of red-colored, iron-rich sandstones are found throughout parts of Scotland, Wales, and England.
Brazil
Various sedimentary basins contain iron-rich sandstones, often associated with lateritic weathering profiles.
Collecting tips
- Look for Red/Brown Outcrops. Iron-rich sandstones are often easily identifiable by their distinctive red, reddish-brown, or yellowish-brown coloration in outcrops, cliffs, and road cuts.
- Examine Grain Size and Cement. Feel the rock for a gritty texture, indicating sand grains. Observe if the color is uniform throughout the cement, suggesting iron oxides as the primary cementing agent.
- Check for Sedimentary Structures. Look for common sedimentary features like bedding planes, cross-bedding, ripple marks, or mud cracks, which are indicative of a sedimentary origin.
- Consider the Geological Context. Iron-rich sandstones are common in continental and shallow marine environments. Understanding the regional geology can help pinpoint potential locations.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Red, reddish-brown, brown, yellowish-brown
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy
- Streak:
- Reddish-brown (for hematitic cement) or yellowish-brown (for goethitic/limonitic cement) on an unglazed porcelain plate. The streak of the quartz grains themselves is white.
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