sedimentary
Red Sandstone
Arenite (primarily Quartz with Hematite cement)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Red, reddish-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Red, reddish-brown
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Red, reddish-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, typically in arid desert or river environments. The red color indicates the presence of iron oxide (hematite) during the oxidation process.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as a building stone (brownstone), paving materials, decorative garden stones, and as a reservoir rock for oil and groundwater.
Geological facts
Red sandstone is responsible for some of the world's most spectacular landscapes, such as the Colorado Plateau, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona's red rocks. Its porous nature makes it an excellent natural aquifer.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible layering (bedding planes). It is commonly found in sedimentary basins throughout the American Southwest and Northern Europe.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary