sedimentary
Sandstone (with Iron Staining)
Clastic sedimentary rock (SiO2 with Fe2O3 impurities)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Tan to reddish-brown due to iron oxide staining, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fractures, Specific gravity: 2.22.8
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Tan to reddish-brown due to iron oxide staining, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fractures, Specific gravity: 2.22.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Often deposited in desert, river, or coastal environments. This specimen shows oxidation (rutting) from exposure to water and oxygen.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, as a building stone, in the manufacture of glass (if high purity quartz), and as a reservoir rock in the petroleum industry.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The red/orange tint often indicates the presence of hematite or limonite, which acts as a natural cementing agent.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand grains. Found globally in basins and mountainous regions. For collectors, look for unique weathering patterns or fossil inclusions.
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