sedimentary
Coarse Sand Grain / Lithic Fragment
Clastic Sediment (Lithic fragment or Quartz/Feldspar grain)
Hardness: Approx. 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Muted brown-grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None/Irregular; Size: Approx. 2-4mm (Granule size).
- Hardness
- Approx
- Color
- Muted brown-grey
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: Approx. 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Muted brown-grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None/Irregular; Size: Approx. 2-4mm (Granule size).
Formation & geological history
Formed through the mechanical weathering and erosion of pre-existing basement rocks (igneous or metamorphic). It has been transported via water or wind and deposited as part of a sedimentary layer, typically during the Quaternary period for surface finds.
Uses & applications
Primary component in industrial concrete, asphalt, and masonry mortar. Large quantities are harvested for the construction industry and glass manufacturing (if high silica).
Geological facts
This specimen represents a 'lithic fragment,' which is essentially a tiny piece of a larger rock that hasn't yet broken down into individual mineral crystals like pure quartz sand.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty texture and small size (larger than 2mm is 'granule'). It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and construction sites. Collectors generally keep these as part of 'micromount' collections or locality samples.
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