sedimentary
Flagstone (Sandstone)
Sandstone (Silicon Dioxide with variations of Iron Oxide/Calcium Carbonate)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, brown, or buff; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic; Cleavage: None (splits along bedding planes); Grainy texture like sandpaper.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, beige, brown, or buff
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Flagstone (Sandstone) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, brown, or buff; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic; Cleavage: None (splits along bedding planes); Grainy texture like sandpaper.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in river beds, beaches, or deserts. Most specimens used in construction are millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in construction for paving slabs, walkways, patios, roofing, and decorative wall cladding due to its durability and natural aesthetic.
Geological facts
Flagstone is a generic term for any flat stone used for paving, but most commonly it is sandstone. It is unique because it splits naturally along bedding planes into flat sheets.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture and visible layering. It can be found worldwide; major commercial quarries are in the US (Pennsylvania, Arizona) and India. In the field, look for horizontally stratified outcrops.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Mudstone
Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary