sedimentary
Banded Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Rock (Quartz Arenite)
Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale); Color: Variegated red, pink, and white bands; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Granular/Clastic with visible bedding planes; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6-7 (on Mohs scale)
- Color
- Variegated red, pink, and white bands
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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: 6-7 (on Mohs scale); Color: Variegated red, pink, and white bands; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Granular/Clastic with visible bedding planes; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. The distinct banding (lamination) represents different cycles of deposition or changes in mineral content (likely iron oxides for the red hues) over geological time, typically in desert or river environments.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a decorative building stone, for flooring, paving, and wall cladding due to its aesthetic layering. Also popular among amateur geology collectors.
Geological facts
The red coloring is typically caused by the oxidation of iron minerals (hematite or goethite) within the sediment. Famous examples of this type of banded sandstone include the 'Wonderstone' found in Utah.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible layering. It is commonly found in arid regions with significant exposed sedimentary layers, such as the Southwestern United States.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Mudstone
Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock
sedimentary