sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (SiO2 primary)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Tan, brown, reddish-brown, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Structure: Granular/Clastic, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Tan, brown, reddish-brown, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Structure: Granular/Clastic, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (clasts) the size of sand. Common in desert, river, and coastal environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building stone (brownstone), for paving, making grindstones, and as a reservoir rock for petroleum and groundwater.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for approximately 10-20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Some formations, like the red rocks of Sedona, are iconic geological landmarks.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'sandpaper' feel and visible sand grains. Found globally in basins and mountainous regions. It is helpful for collectors because it often preserves fossils or ripple marks.
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