sedimentary

Banded Sandstone

Arenite with Liesegang banding

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, ochre, and grey bands; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan, brown, ochre, and grey bands
Luster: Dull or earthy

Identified May 16, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, ochre, and grey bands; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grains); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments. The distinct colored stripes are typically Liesegang rings, formed by the rhythmic precipitation of iron oxides (like limonite or hematite) within porous rock through fluid movement over geological time.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative stone, in landscaping, as a building material, and for geological collecting. Polished specimens are often sold as 'picture sandstone'.

Geological facts

The banding seen in this specimen is often mistaken for wood grain or human-made paint, but it is a natural chemical phenomenon called the Liesegang effect. Some of the most famous examples are found in the Kanab Golden Circle in Utah.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for distinct layers of color that may cut across bedding planes. Common in arid regions or areas with high groundwater flow through sandstone beds. Often found in riverbeds as water-rounded cobbles.