sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (primarily Quartz, SiO2)

Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale for individual grains); Color: Buff, tan, or light brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic texture with granular grains; Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly); Specific Gravity: 2.2 to 2.8

Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale for individual grains)
Color: Buff, tan, or light brown
Luster: Dull or earthy

Identified March 26, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral grains or rock fragments (0.0625 to 2 mm size range) in environments like deserts, river deltas, or beaches. Geological age can range from Precambrian to Holocene.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in construction as dimension stone, road base, and concrete aggregate. High-purity quartz sandstone is used in glass manufacturing and as industrial sand for hydraulic fracturing.

Geological facts

Sandstone makes up about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Historically, it was used to build famous structures like the Treasury at Petra and the Red Fort in India. It often preserves fossils and ripple marks from ancient environments.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its gritty 'sandpaper' feel and visible grain clusters. It is found globally in sedimentary basins. Collectors often look for colorful 'Liesegang rings' or fossil inclusions within the layers.