sedimentary
Sandstone (with Liesegang rings or joints)
Clastic Sedimentary Rock (primarily Quartz with Iron Oxide cement)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Reddish-brown, tan, or pink; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic, granular; Features: Geometric box-work patterns caused by mineral precipitation or jointing.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Reddish-brown, tan, or pink
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Reddish-brown, tan, or pink; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic, granular; Features: Geometric box-work patterns caused by mineral precipitation or jointing.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the lithification of wind-blown or water-borne sand. The geometric lines (often called boxwork or joints) are created by iron oxides concentrating along fractures or through fluid movement over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for construction, paving stones, and landscaping. Striking patterns like these make it popular for decorative specimens and garden architecture.
Geological facts
The grid-like patterns often look man-made (mimicking ancient scripts or tiles), but are actually natural geometric fractures called joints that become stained with hematite or limonite.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by the visible sand grains and the orthogonal (90-degree) intersecting fracture lines. Commonly found in the Southwestern United States (Utah, Arizona) and sandstone formations globally.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary