sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (SiO2 principal component)

Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale if quartz-rich), Color: tan, brown, gray, or reddish due to iron oxide, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal Structure: Clastic texture with sand-sized grains, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8

Identified June 7, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. Typically deposited in deserts, riverbeds, or coastal environments over millions of years through lithification.

Uses & applications

Extensively used as a building material, paving stone, and in the manufacturing of glass and grindstones. In the petroleum industry, it serves as a common reservoir for oil and natural gas.

Geological facts

Sandstone accounts for about 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous structures like the treasury at Petra (Jordan) and the Red Fort (India) are carved from or built with sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty, sand-like texture when rubbed. It can be found globally in outcrop formations and sedimentary basins. Hand samples often show visible layering (bedding).