sedimentary

Red Sandstone

Sandstone (lithic arenite or arkose with iron oxide)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Red, reddish-brown, or orange due to hematite; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Red, reddish-brown, or orange due to hematite
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified July 9, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Red, reddish-brown, or orange due to hematite; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. The red color suggests deposition in an oxygen-rich environment such as a desert or river floodplain where iron minerals oxidized. Ages range from Precambrian to Recent.

Uses & applications

Used widely as a building material, decorative stone, for paving, and as an abrasive in some industrial processes.

Geological facts

Red sandstone is what gives famous landscapes like the Grand Canyon, Sedona (Arizona), and the Red Rocks of Colorado their distinctive appearance. It is a major reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains. It is commonly found in sedimentary basins and arid regions. Collectors look for interesting ripple marks or cross-bedding patterns.