sedimentary

Orange sandstone

Quartz-rich sandstone, commonly ferruginous sandstone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Usually Mohs hardness 6–7 for quartz grains, orange to reddish-brown, dull to slightly gritty luster, and porous granular texture; color comes from iron-oxide coatings. Bedding is not clearly visible in the image, and the specimen appears naturally weathered or roughly cut.

Identified September 21, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand-sized grains—mainly quartz—were compacted and cemented by silica, calcite, or iron oxides; deposits may range from Precambrian to recent, depending on locality. Common in deserts, river channels, beaches, and sedimentary basins.

Uses & applications

Used as building and paving stone, aggregate, landscaping material, and occasionally as a decorative specimen. Fine, attractive varieties may be used for carvings or architectural veneer.

Geological facts

Iron oxidation produces the characteristic orange, yellow, and red colors. Sandstone can preserve cross-bedding, ripple marks, fossils, and ancient environmental clues.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by visible sand grains, gritty texture, porosity, and weak reaction or no reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid; quartz-rich pieces resist scratching by steel. Common worldwide, especially in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, India, and Australia.