sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartz-rich)
Arenite (SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, or reddish-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic (sand grains); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture within grains); Specific Gravity: 2.2–2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, brown, or 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 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, or reddish-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic (sand grains); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture within grains); Specific Gravity: 2.2–2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. Typically deposited in riverbeds, deserts, or coastal environments over millions of years (clastic sedimentation).
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as a building material, paving, and decorative stone. Also used for grindstones and in the manufacturing of glass when high in quartz purity.
Geological facts
Sandstone acts as a natural aquifer, holding vast amounts of groundwater or petroleum in its pore spaces. The famous city of Petra is carved entirely out of sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sedimentary layers (bedding). It is extremely common worldwide in sedimentary basins and exposed cliff faces.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone (with man-made markings)
Arenite (composed primarily of Quartz, SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale (Beach-worn)
Laminated Pelite (primarily clay minerals and quartz)
sedimentary