sedimentary
Sandstone (likely Graywacke or Arkose variant)
Clastic Sedimentary Rock (Lithic Sandstone)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Brownish-tan to gray; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (granular texture); Cleavage: None (conchoidal to irregular fracture); Specific gravity: 2.2–2.8.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Brownish-tan to gray
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Brownish-tan to gray; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (granular texture); Cleavage: None (conchoidal to irregular fracture); Specific gravity: 2.2–2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. This specimen appears water-worn, suggesting a legacy of deposition in a riverbed or coastal environment followed by erosion and tumbling.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a building material, in road construction, and for making grindstones. High-purity silica sandstone is used in glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for about 10-20% of Earth's sedimentary rocks. Famous structures like the treasury at Petra and many cathedrals around the world are carved from sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'sandpaper' feel and visible grains. It is extremely common globally, especially in sedimentary basins. Collectors often look for examples with unique weathering patterns or fossils.
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