sedimentary
Red Sandstone Pebble
Arenite (Quartz Sandstone / Hematitic Sandstone)
Hardness: 6-7 (quartz-rich). Color: Reddish-brown to dark terracotta. Luster: Dull, earthy. Structure: Granular, fine-grained clastic texture with minor pit pores/vesicles. Cleavage: None.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (quartz-rich)
- Color
- Reddish-brown to dark terracotta
- Luster
- Dull, earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (quartz-rich). Color: Reddish-brown to dark terracotta. Luster: Dull, earthy. Structure: Granular, fine-grained clastic texture with minor pit pores/vesicles. Cleavage: None.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, oxidized by iron oxide (hematite) giving it a distinct red or brownish color. Often rounded by water or wind erosion.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as river rocks, used in landscaping, architectural facing, aggregate, and decorative stone work.
Geological facts
Red sandstones owe their rich red color to iron oxide (hematite) coating individual sand grains. Deposits like the Navajo Sandstone in Utah or Old Red Sandstone in Europe date back hundreds of millions of years.
Field identification & locations
Look for a distinct grainy, fine sand paper texture, reddish tint that doesn't wash off, and rounded water-worn edges. Commonly found along stream beds, lake shores, beaches, and sedimentary rock formations.
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