sedimentary

Red Sandstone

Quartz Arenite (iron-stained) / Quartzite precursor

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: reddish-brown to brick red due to iron oxide (hematite) cementation. Luster: dull, earthy, or granular. Texture: clastic, medium to fine-grained sandy texture with visible quartz grains.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Luster: dull, earthy, or granular

Identified July 27, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition, compaction, and cementation of sand-sized quartz grains in terrestrial, aeolian (desert sand dunes), or fluvial (river bed) environments. The red coloration is due to small amounts of hematite or iron oxide coating the quartz grains during diagenesis.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a construction stone, paving material, architectural face-stone, land-scaping accent, and aggregate.

Geological facts

Red sandstone formations comprise some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth, including the American Southwest (e.g., Zion National Park, Sedona) and Old Red Sandstone deposits in Europe.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct gritty sandpaper-like feel, fine-to-medium quartz grain structure, and dark red to brownish-red color. Highly abundant globally, especially in desert or ancient riverbed deposits.

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