sedimentary

Reddish sandstone or arkose

Quartz–feldspar siliciclastic sandstone; likely iron-oxide-stained arkose

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically 6–7 Mohs, reddish to pink, earthy to dull/sandy luster, and composed of cemented sand grains; visible granular texture and possible feldspar fragments indicate arkose. No obvious cleavage; specific gravity is commonly about 2.2–2.7.

Identified September 20, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand-rich sediment was deposited, compacted, and cemented, with hematite or limonite producing the red color. The specimen’s exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph; such rocks range from Precambrian to recent sedimentary basins.

Uses & applications

Used as building stone, aggregate, paving material, and occasionally decorative stone; generally has little jewelry value.

Geological facts

The rusty red coloration commonly records oxidation in an oxygen-rich terrestrial or shallow-marine environment. The coarse, poorly sorted base may reflect conglomeratic or arkosic deposition near a sediment source.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by rubbing a fresh surface: individual sand grains should be visible, and quartz-rich grains resist a steel scratch while iron staining leaves reddish dust. Common in continental basins, river deposits, deserts, and red-bed formations.