sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (SiO2-rich)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (quartz-based); Color: Tan, beige, or yellow-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand-sized grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (quartz-based)
Color: Tan, beige, or yellow-brown
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified April 30, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (quartz-based); Color: Tan, beige, or yellow-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand-sized grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. This specimen appears to be a water-worn river pebble, likely shaped over thousands of years by fluvial erosion.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in construction as a building material, road base, or decorative stone. In industry, high-purity sandstones are used for glassmaking.

Geological facts

Sandstone accounts for approximately 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. It often acts as a significant reservoir for underground water, oil, and natural gas due to its porosity.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and the visible small grains. Commonly found in riverbeds, deserts, and coastal areas. It is one of the most common rocks for beginning collectors to find.