sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 based)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or yellowish; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, beige, or yellowish
- Luster
- Dull or earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or yellowish; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains, typically quartz and feldspar, in environments like beaches, deserts, and riverbeds over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material for building facades, paving, and crushing into sand for concrete and glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 10 to 25 percent of the sedimentary rocks on Earth. It often preserves fossils and ripple marks from ancient prehistoric shorelines.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand grains. Commonly found in canyons, plateaus, and near coastal areas.
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