sedimentary

Red sandstone

Quartz-rich sandstone, commonly composed of quartz grains cemented by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Reddish-brown, rough and granular, with visible bedding or layers; typically Mohs hardness about 6–7 for quartz grains, but the cement may make the rock crumbly. Usually nonmetallic and dull; individual quartz grains have a hexagonal crystal structure.

Identified October 14, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand accumulated and was compacted and cemented, with iron oxides imparting the red color. Sandstone forms in many geological periods and settings, including rivers, deserts, and shallow seas; the image alone cannot establish its age.

Uses & applications

Used as building and paving stone, landscaping material, and aggregate; attractive pieces may be collected or cut for decorative use.

Geological facts

Iron-oxide coatings commonly produce sandstone’s red hues, while bedding records changes in sediment deposition.

Field identification & locations

Look for gritty, sand-sized grains and layered texture; it may scratch glass if quartz-rich. Red sandstone occurs worldwide, but precise locality cannot be determined from the image.