Sedimentary or Metamorphic

Sandstone or Quartzite

Arenite (if sedimentary) / Quartzite (if metamorphic)

Granular texture, varying color (tan, greenish, grey), composed primarily of quartz sand grains. Hardness depends on cementation (roughly 6-7 if mostly quartz).

Identified April 26, 2026More sedimentary or metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Granular texture, varying color (tan, greenish, grey), composed primarily of quartz sand grains. Hardness depends on cementation (roughly 6-7 if mostly quartz).

Formation & geological history

Formed from sand-sized grains consolidating under pressure over long geologic periods. If quartzite, it has undergone heat and pressure to recrystallize the grains.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in construction, landscaping, as a building stone, or for making glass (if silica content is very high).

Geological facts

The small reddish-brown dots visible might be oxidized iron concretions or small distinct mineral grains (like garnets if metamorphic).

Field identification & locations

Identified by its sandy texture (if sandstone) or hard, sugary texture (if quartzite). Found universally in sedimentary basins or metamorphic terranes.

Other sedimentary or metamorphic specimens

See all

Shale or Argillite

Shale (sedimentary) / Argillite (metamorphic)

Sedimentary or Metamorphic (low-grade)

Milky Quartz with Iron Inclusions

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

mineral

Anthracite Coal

Anthracite (Carbon-rich Sedimentary-to-Metamorphic Rock)

metamorphic

Anthracite Coal

Anthracite (Carbon-based sedimentary-derived metamorphic rock)

metamorphic

Jasper Conglomerate (Puddingstone)

Siliceous Conglomerate (Quartz and Jasper clasts in a fine-grained matrix)

sedimentary

River Pebbles and Quartz

Mixed Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks (Silicon Dioxide SiO2 dominant)

mixed