Is this Ironstone?

When we were in WA we came across these fields of small stones lying on the surface of the ground.

They covered acres in area and there were many site like this, particularly around Kalgoorlie.





When I ran my small pick with a magnet on the end over it they were immediately attracted to the magnet.





I assumed it was Ironstone.

I was left wondering why does it form like this in select areas?

Is this an indicator showing minerals etc below?

Whilst I didn't try, would it be possible to detect in this environment or would the detector be blown off the scale?

Peter.

yep..in short.....it's alway's worth a bip on that stuff.
Come and do a course and I'll answer your other questions.
Very possible to detect it...if can't with your detector then get some help.