sedimentary/metamorphic
Sandstone and Quartzite Specimens
SiO2 with varying mineral/clastic inclusions
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, brown, and off-white; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Clastic to crystalline; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Tan, brown, and off-white
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
Identified More sedimentary/metamorphic →
Explore Sandstone and Quartzite Specimens in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, brown, and off-white; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Clastic to crystalline; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed from the lithification of sand-sized grains (mostly quartz) in marine or continental environments, sometimes undergoing low-grade metamorphism into quartzite.
Uses & applications
Construction aggregate, landscaping, decorative stone, and architectural cladding.
Geological facts
Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks on Earth, while the lighter specimen on the right appears to be a quartz-rich variant or quartzite, which is highly resistant to chemical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by checking grain texture (gritty like sandpaper) and hardness (should scratch glass but not be scratched by a steel nail).
More like this
Other sedimentary/metamorphic specimens
Tiger Iron
Tiger Iron (Hematite, Red Jasper, and Tiger's Eye)
metamorphic
Anthracite Coal
Anthracite (Carbon-based sedimentary-metamorphic rock)
metamorphic
Dalmatian Stone
Dalmatian Jasper (a misnomer) / Perthitic Igneous Rock
igneous
Anthracite Coal
Anthracite (Carbon-based organic sedimentary/metamorphic rock)
metamorphic
Coal (Anthracite)
Anthracite (Carbon-based organic sedimentary/metamorphic rock)
metamorphic
Blue Apatite
Apatite (Calcium Phosphate) - Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)
mineral