sedimentary
Sandstone Pebble (Quartzite-rich)
Clastic Terrigenous Sedimentary Rock (SiO2 dominant)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan to yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan to yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan to yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the lithification of sand-sized grains, primarily quartz. This specific specimen has been significantly rounded and smoothed by fluvial (river) or coastal erosion processes. Geological age can range from millions to hundreds of millions of years depending on the parent formation.
Uses & applications
Common river stones are used in landscaping, decorative ground cover, and as aggregate for construction. High-purity sandstone is used in glassmaking and hydraulic fracturing.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The smooth, rounded shape of this specimen indicates it has spent a long period being tumbled in a high-energy water environment, such as a riverbed or shoreline.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sandpaper-like gritty texture and the presence of visible sand grains. This specimen shows 'well-sorted' grains indicating long-distance transport. Found globally in river valleys and beaches.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartz-rich)
Arenite (SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone (with man-made markings)
Arenite (composed primarily of Quartz, SiO2)
sedimentary