sedimentary

Red Sandstone

Sedimentary Litharenite / Quartz Arenite

Hardness: 6 to 7 (due to quartz content); Color: Reddish-brown to pinkish-red, often colored by iron oxide (hematite) cement; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of cemented mineral particles); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2 to 2.8

Hardness: 6 to 7 (due to quartz content)
Luster: Dull to earthy

Identified July 28, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in desert (aeolian), fluvial, or shallow marine environments over millions of years during various geological periods.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in construction as building stone, paving, masonry, and sometimes decorative landscaping or educational geological collecting.

Geological facts

Red coloration in sandstone is usually caused by the presence of iron oxide (hematite or goethite) coating the sand grains or acting as the bonding cement. Famous geological structures like Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon feature massive red sandstone formations.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its distinct grainy texture, visible sand grains, and reddish-brown hue. Commonly found in sedimentary basins, riverbeds, and desert regions worldwide.

Other sedimentary specimens

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Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary

Sedimentary Sandstone

Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Concretion

Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids

fossil

Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble

Siltstone / Argillite

sedimentary

Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)

Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)

sedimentary

Shale

Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)

sedimentary