sedimentary
Dendritic sandstone
Sandstone with Manganese Oxide dendrites
Hardness: 6-7 (quartz-based); Color: light gray to tan background with black branching patterns; Luster: dull/earthy; Texture: granular; Structure: clastic sedimentary matrix.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (quartz-based)
- Color
- light gray to tan background with black branching patterns
- Luster
- dull/earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Dendritic sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (quartz-based); Color: light gray to tan background with black branching patterns; Luster: dull/earthy; Texture: granular; Structure: clastic sedimentary matrix.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains. The black dendritic patterns are secondary mineral deposits (manganese oxides) that filtered through cracks in the rock during groundwater percolation.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, landscaping, and as decorative pieces for collectors due to the fern-like patterns.
Geological facts
The branching black patterns are called dendrites, named after the Greek word for tree. They are often mistaken for plant fossils but are actually inorganic crystal growths.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the sandy texture and the distinct black 'moss-like' or 'branching' patterns often seen on bedding planes or weathered surfaces. Commonly found in arid or semi-arid sedimentary basins.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
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