sedimentary

Reddish sandstone

Quartz-rich clastic sandstone, commonly ferruginous (SiO₂-dominant)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Fine- to medium-grained, tan-orange surface with dull earthy luster and visibly granular texture; typically Mohs hardness 6–7 for quartz grains, but porous and friable overall. No obvious cleavage; grains are cemented by silica, iron oxides, or calcite.

Identified August 25, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Reddish sandstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand accumulated, was compacted, and cemented in a river, dune, shoreline, or desert environment; iron-oxide coating produces the reddish color. Its precise age cannot be determined from the image and may range from relatively young to hundreds of millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used as building stone, paving, landscaping aggregate, and a source of silica; attractive varieties are used for architectural facing and specimens. Usually low jewelry value.

Geological facts

The rough, granular fracture and fairly uniform rusty color are characteristic of weathered ferruginous sandstone. Acid may fizz weakly if calcite-cemented, while quartz-rich pieces do not react.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by gritty texture, visible sand grains, layered or porous fabric, and a scratch resistance near quartz; it commonly occurs in sedimentary basins worldwide. The image alone cannot distinguish sandstone confidently from weathered siltstone or porous shale.