sedimentary
Ferruginous Sandstone
Arenite with Iron-oxide cement
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Brown, reddish-brown, tan with dark speckles; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2 - 2.8.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Brown, reddish-brown, tan with dark speckles
- 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 (Mohs scale); Color: Brown, reddish-brown, tan with dark speckles; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2 - 2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles (usually quartz) where iron oxides (like hematite or goethite) act as the binding agent. Typically forms in riverbeds, deserts, or shallow marine environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a building stone, in road base construction, or for decorative landscaping due to its warm colors.
Geological facts
The reddish-brown color is a result of the oxidation of iron minerals, essentially making this rock a naturally 'rusted' piece of geological history.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and its characteristic dark-brown spotting (staining). Commonly found in sedimentary basins and eroded plateau regions.
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