sedimentary

Banded sandstone

Quartz-rich clastic sandstone, likely ferruginous or arkosic

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically 6–7 Mohs, tan to reddish-brown with pale gray bands, dull to slightly vitreous luster, and granular texture; bedding and weathering fractures are visible. Composition is mainly quartz with feldspar, lithic grains, and iron-oxide cement.

Identified August 21, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Banded sandstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand accumulated, was compacted, and cemented in ancient rivers, beaches, or dunes; iron-rich groundwater produced the brown coloration. Exact age cannot be determined from the image and may range from Paleozoic to younger depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used as landscaping and aggregate stone; attractive pieces are collected or occasionally cut for decorative stone, though this specimen is more typical of common field material than jewelry rough.

Geological facts

The curved pale bands likely represent cross-bedding or differential cementation rather than mineral veins. Iron oxides commonly create the warm red-brown tones in weathered sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Identify by visible sand grains, layered bedding, earthy fracture, and lack of interlocking crystals; it should scratch glass weakly to moderately if quartz-rich. Common in sedimentary basins worldwide, especially streambeds and eroding cliffs.