sedimentary
Red Sandstone
Quartzose Sandstone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, reddish-brown color due to iron oxide, dull to earthy luster, clastic texture with prominent bedding planes and fine to medium grains.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Red Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, reddish-brown color due to iron oxide, dull to earthy luster, clastic texture with prominent bedding planes and fine to medium grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and lithification of quartz-rich sand grains in arid desert dunes or ancient riverbeds, typically during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a durable building and paving stone, in landscaping, and as an ornamental aggregate in construction.
Geological facts
The vibrant red color comes from hematite cement coating the sand grains. Famous monuments worldwide, including ancient temples and cathedrals, are constructed from red sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty texture and visible sand grains cemented together, commonly found in sedimentary basins and eroded cliffs worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary