sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (SiO2 based)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, or light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Tan, beige, or light brown
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified June 15, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, or light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (sand) over millions of years, typically in desert, river, or coastal environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a building material, in the manufacturing of glass, for paving and decorative landscaping, and as an aquifer for groundwater or a reservoir for oil and gas.

Geological facts

Sandstone can preserve fossilized footprints and ripple marks from ancient riverbeds or beaches, providing a 'snapshot' of environmental conditions from millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand-sized grains. It often appears in layers (stratification) and is common in canyon landscapes and riverbanks.