sedimentary
Banded Siltstone
Banded Siltstone / Laminated Siltstone
Hardness of 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, features distinct alternating color bands (greys, greens, and yellowish tones), dull to subvitreous luster, fine-grained micro-crystalline structure, indistinct cleavage.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Banded Siltstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, features distinct alternating color bands (greys, greens, and yellowish tones), dull to subvitreous luster, fine-grained micro-crystalline structure, indistinct cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of fine-grained silt-sized mineral particles (mostly quartz and clay minerals) in quiet water environments like lakes or marine settings over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a decorative stone, lapidary material for small carvings or tumbling, and as educational geological specimens.
Geological facts
The distinct banding represents seasonal or episodic variations in sediment supply and depositional environment, often preserving ancient environmental conditions.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its fine-grained texture and prominent parallel color banding; commonly found in riverbeds, lake shores, and sedimentary rock formations worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
sedimentary