sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz content); Color: Tan, brownish-grey, or yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz content)
- Color
- Tan, brownish-grey, or yellowish
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz content); Color: Tan, brownish-grey, or yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (clasts) the size of sand. These typically deposit in riverbeds, deserts, or ocean floors over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction as a building material, for paving, and in the manufacturing of glass and grindstones. In the art world, it is often used for sculpture.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and the Treasury at Petra are both carved into or made from sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'sandpaper' feel and visible grains. It is commonly found in sedimentary basins and arid regions. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.
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