sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow, tan, brown, red; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic/Granular; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Yellow, tan, brown, red
- 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: Yellow, tan, brown, red; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic/Granular; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. These grains are cemented together by minerals like silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide over millions of years through lithification, typically in desert, river, or coastal environments.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for flagstone, paving, and building facades. It is also used in glass manufacturing (silica sand) and as a reservoir rock for oil and natural gas.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The famous red rock formations in Sedona, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon are primarily composed of weathered sandstone layers.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty 'sandpaper' texture and visible layering (stratification). It is found globally, especially in areas with ancient sedimentary basins.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
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