sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartzose Pebble)
Clastic Sedimentary Rock (Litharenite/Quartz arenite)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to silica content); Color: Tan, beige, or light grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: Approx 2.2-2.8.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to silica content)
- Color
- Tan, beige, or light grey
- 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 on Mohs scale (due to silica content); Color: Tan, beige, or light grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: Approx 2.2-2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments over millions of years, typically in riverbeds, beaches, or deserts. This pebble has been rounded by water erosion.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as construction aggregate, in glass manufacturing, for architectural stone, or as landscape gravel. Small pebbles like this are often used in home decor or aquarium substrates.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for roughly 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks in the earth's crust. Most sandstones are composed of quartz or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible grains. Often found in dry riverbeds or coastal environments. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary