sedimentary
Glauconitic Sandstone
Glauconitic Sandstone (Greensand)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 (individual grains); Color: Dark grey to dull green with black speckles; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic, fine-grained; Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (individual grains)
- Color
- Dark grey to dull green with black speckles
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Glauconitic Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (individual grains); Color: Dark grey to dull green with black speckles; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic, fine-grained; Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed in marine environments through the accumulation of quartz grains and the mineral glauconite, typically in shallow shelf areas. Often dates from the Cretaceous to Cenozoic periods.
Uses & applications
Historically used as a soil conditioner (source of potassium), for water filtration, and occasionally as a low-grade construction material.
Geological facts
The dark speckles often visible are glauconite pellets. Large deposits in North America are found in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, particularly New Jersey.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sandy texture and greenish-grey hue. It often feels slightly rough to the touch and may contain microfossils or organic debris characteristic of old sea beds.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary