sedimentary

Pink sandstone

Quartz-rich siliciclastic sandstone, likely arkose or subarkose

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Usually Mohs 6–7 for quartz grains, with a pink to reddish color from iron-oxide-stained feldspar or cement; dull to slightly gritty luster and clastic, non-crystalline texture. Bedding or layered fabric may be visible, with no consistent cleavage.

Identified August 15, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when sand-sized quartz and feldspar grains are deposited, compacted, and cemented, commonly in rivers, alluvial fans, deserts, or shoreline environments. Its exact age cannot be determined from the photograph; pink sandstones range from Precambrian to modern geological formations.

Uses & applications

Used as building stone, paving, wall facing, landscaping material, and aggregate; attractive varieties are cut for architectural surfaces and specimen collecting.

Geological facts

The pink coloration commonly reflects hematite or iron-bearing feldspar rather than a separate pink mineral. Sandstone commonly preserves ripple marks, cross-bedding, and fossils, though none are clearly visible here.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its gritty sand-sized grains, reddish-pink color, and tendency to scratch glass if quartz-rich; acid typically produces no fizz unless carbonate cement is present. Common examples occur in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, India, Australia, and many sedimentary basins worldwide.