sedimentary
Banded Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Sandstone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6 to 7 on Mohs scale; light to dark grey/brown colors; dull/earthy luster; fine-grained clastic texture showing distinct bedding planes.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Banded Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 6 to 7 on Mohs scale; light to dark grey/brown colors; dull/earthy luster; fine-grained clastic texture showing distinct bedding planes.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. The visible bands represent different layers of sediment deposited over time in aquatic or desert environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a dimension stone in construction, paving, and decorative garden landscaping.
Geological facts
The banding (layering) in types like this can record historical changes in water flow or climate at the time of deposition. Sandstone makes up about 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty feel (like sandpaper) and the presence of parallel layers. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and sedimentary basins worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary