sedimentary
Banded Sandstone (River Pebble)
Arenite (SiO2 primarily)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, brown, and grey banding; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular and clastic; Cleavage: None.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, brown, and grey banding
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Banded Sandstone (River Pebble) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, brown, and grey banding; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular and clastic; Cleavage: None.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments. The distinct bands represent different layers of sediment deposition over time, often in a fluvial or deltaic environment. Its water-worn shape indicates it was tumbled in a river or stream.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as decorative landscaping stones, aquarium decor, or as pocket stones. Fine-grained sandstone is also used in construction and building facades.
Geological facts
The bands in sandstone are often called 'Liesegang rings' when they occur due to chemical precipitation, but in this case, they appear to be primary sedimentary bedding layers that indicate seasonal or environmental changes during deposition.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the visible sand-sized grains and parallel sedimentary layers. Common in riverbeds and ancient sedimentary basins worldwide. This specific specimen is valued for its unusual conical/ovoid shape and clear horizontal banding.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary