sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs/Quartz components); Color: Tan, brown, or buff; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs/Quartz components)
- Color
- Tan, brown, or buff
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs/Quartz components); Color: Tan, brown, or buff; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments in river beds, deserts, or marine environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a building material, in landscaping, as a source for glass manufacturing (if high silica), and for stone art/sculpture.
Geological facts
Sandstone is often porous enough to hold large quantities of groundwater or oil, making it an essential aquifer or reservoir rock in geology.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible grains. Commonly found in coastal areas, deserts, and canyon walls. Widely available globally.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary