sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartz-rich)
Sandstone (SiO2 dominated)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (if quartz-based); Color: Tan, brown, or grey with iron-oxide staining; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic; Cleavage: None (grains break across boundaries); Texture: Gritty, sandpaper-like feel.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs (if quartz-based)
- Color
- Tan, brown, or grey with iron-oxide staining
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (if quartz-based); Color: Tan, brown, or grey with iron-oxide staining; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic; Cleavage: None (grains break across boundaries); Texture: Gritty, sandpaper-like feel.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. This specimen appears water-worn, likely tumbled in a river or coastal environment during the Holocene or older geological epochs.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a building stone, in road base construction, as a source for glass-making sand, or as decorative garden stones.
Geological facts
Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks in Earth's crust; it serves as a primary reservoir for underground water, oil, and natural gas due to its high porosity.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its grainy texture which feels like sandpaper. It is found globally in deserts, riverbeds, and coastal regions. For collectors, look for cross-bedding or fossil inclusions.
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