sedimentary

Reddish sandstone

Quartz-rich sandstone (arenite), commonly iron-oxide stained

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Fine- to medium-grained, pink-red, dull to slightly sugary luster, with rounded sand grains and no obvious cleavage; hardness about 6–7 for quartz grains, but the rock may crumble along cemented surfaces. Composition is chiefly quartz with feldspar and iron-oxide cement.

Identified August 8, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand accumulated, was compacted, and cemented in a river, dune, shoreline, or desert environment; the red color reflects oxidized iron. Its precise geological age cannot be determined from the photograph and may range from Precambrian to recent.

Uses & applications

Used as building stone, paving, aggregate, and landscaping material; attractive fine-grained pieces are collected, but this specimen has little commercial value.

Geological facts

Sandstone often preserves cross-bedding, ripple marks, fossils, or ancient wind and water environments. A streak or fresh broken surface can reveal whether the reddish color is surface coating or pervasive iron-oxide cement.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, including desert and basin regions such as the Colorado Plateau, India, Australia, and southern Africa. Identify it by visible sand grains, gritty texture, layered or porous fabric, and scratching glass with quartz grains; distinguish it from granite by its lack of interlocking large crystals.