sedimentary

Sandstone (Banded)

Arenite

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: tan, grey, yellow-brown, greyish-blue; Luster: dull/earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic (composed of mineral grains); Texture: Gritty, sandpaper-like feel.

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: tan, grey, yellow-brown, greyish-blue
Luster: dull/earthy

Identified July 4, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: tan, grey, yellow-brown, greyish-blue; Luster: dull/earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic (composed of mineral grains); Texture: Gritty, sandpaper-like feel.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. These grains are usually quartz or feldspar. The banding indicates variations in iron oxide content or mineral composition during different depositional cycles.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in construction, as a building stone (dimension stone), in decorative landscaping, and as a raw material for glass manufacturing if high in quartz.

Geological facts

Sandstone accounts for roughly 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The layers seen in the specimen represent the sequence of environmental changes where the sand was deposited, such as in a riverbed or ancient desert.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its visible grains and gritty texture that feels like sandpaper. It is commonly found in sedimentary basins, riverbeds, and coastal regions. For collectors, look for distinct color banding or fossil inclusions.