sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically tan, brown, or reddish-brown due to iron oxides; Luster: dull to earthy; Texture: Medium-grained, feels like sandpaper; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral grains like quartz or feldspar).

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: typically tan, brown, or reddish-brown due to iron oxides
Luster: dull to earthy

Identified June 24, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation of sand-sized grains, often in riverbeds, deserts, or coastal areas. These grains are compressed and cemented together by minerals like silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a construction material (dimension stone), in glass manufacturing (if high quartz purity), and as an abrasive for sharpening tools.

Geological facts

Sandstone is one of the most common types of sedimentary rock and accounts for about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. It is a major reservoir for groundwater, oil, and natural gas due to its porosity.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible bedding planes or layers. It is ubiquitous in canyons and arid landscapes. Look for uniform grain size and resistance to scratching compared to limestone.