sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (SiO2 principal component)

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan, reddish-brown, yellow, Luster: dull to earthy, Crystal Structure: Clastic texture with sand-sized grains, Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8

Identified May 29, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan, reddish-brown, yellow, Luster: dull to earthy, Crystal Structure: Clastic texture with sand-sized grains, Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. It typically forms in desert, river, or coastal environments over millions of years through lithification.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in construction as a building material, for paving stones, grindstones, and sometimes as a source of silica for glass making.

Geological facts

Sandstone can preserve fossilized footprints and ripple marks from ancient environments. It is a major reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel. Commonly found in canyon walls, river beds, and coastal outcrops. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.