sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Brown, tan, reddish-brown, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
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, tan, reddish-brown, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Over millions of years, pressure and minerals like silica or calcium carbonate cement the grains together in river beds, deserts, or marine environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction as a building material, for paving stones, as a source of glass sand, and in artistic sculptures.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for approximately 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth and can preserve incredible fossil records and ripples from ancient waterways.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible layers (bedding). It is found globally in sedimentary basins. Collectors often look for colorful banding (Liesegang rings) or fossils.
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