sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, brown, or reddish-brown; Luster: dull/earthy; Texture: granular, sandpaper-like feel; Structure: clastic; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- tan, brown, or reddish-brown
- Luster
- dull/earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, brown, or reddish-brown; Luster: dull/earthy; Texture: granular, sandpaper-like feel; Structure: clastic; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Forms from the accumulation of mineral particles or rock fragments (clasts) such as quartz or feldspar. These grains are cemented together by silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide over millions of years under pressure in environments like deserts, river beds, or beaches.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a common building material in construction, for making grindstones, as a reservoir rock in the oil and gas industry, and for decorative masonry and landscaping.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up approximately 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Its porosity makes it a critical aquifer for holding groundwater and a primary trap for petroleum deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand-sized grains. It often displays distinct layering or bedding planes. It is commonly found in sedimentary basins, canyons, and mountainous regions worldwide.
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