sedimentary
Red Sand / Ferruginous Sand
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) impurities
Hardness: 7 (Quartz component); Color: Red, reddish-brown, or orange; Luster: Dull to earthy; Texture: Granular/clastic; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Quartz component)
- Color
- Red, reddish-brown, or orange
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Quartz component); Color: Red, reddish-brown, or orange; Luster: Dull to earthy; Texture: Granular/clastic; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the erosion and weathering of iron-rich rocks such as basalt or ferruginous sandstone. The red color is typically a result of the oxidation of iron minerals (hematite or goethite) coating the sand grains over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, construction (red mortar), heavy-duty sandblasting, and as a raw material for terracotta-colored ceramics.
Geological facts
The red sand of the Namib Desert and the Kalahari is iconic; the color depth often indicates the age of the sand, with darker reds usually signifying older deposits that have had more time to oxidize.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its loose, granular texture and distinctive rust-like staining that doesn't wash off easily. Common in arid desert environments and ancient riverbeds.
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