sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (governed by quartz content); Color: Tan, beige, or yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grain-based); Cleavage: None (fractures around grains); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs (governed by quartz content)
- Color
- Tan, beige, or yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (governed by quartz content); Color: Tan, beige, or yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grain-based); Cleavage: None (fractures around grains); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. Typically deposited in deserts, riverbeds, or beaches. Geological age can range from Precambrian to Holocene.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a building material, paving stone, and in the manufacturing of glass. Also used for grindstones and decorative landscaping.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous monuments like the Treasury at Petra in Jordan are carved directly into sandstone cliffs.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty 'sandpaper' texture and visible layers (bedding). Often found in canyons, plateaus, and coastal cliffs. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.
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