sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartzose)
Arenite (Siliciclastic sedimentary rock)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, beige, or light brown; Luster: Dull to earthy (sparkling quartz grains); Crystal structure: Clastic (granular); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Tan, beige, or light brown
- Luster
- Dull to earthy (sparkling quartz grains)
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, beige, or light brown; Luster: Dull to earthy (sparkling quartz grains); Crystal structure: Clastic (granular); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains, primarily quartz and feldspar, in environments like deserts, riverbeds, and beaches over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction for paving and building stone, as a reservoir rock for oil and gas, and as a source of silica for glassmaking.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The famous red rocks of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park are composed largely of various sandstone layers.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty 'sandpaper' feel. It is found globally in sedimentary basins. Collectors look for unique banding (Liesegang rings) or fossil inclusions.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary