sedimentary
Sandstone Beach Pebble
Clastic sedimentary rock (SiO2 with iron oxide cement)
Hardness: 6-7 (if quartz-based); Color: Tan/yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull/earthy; Texture: Fine-grained, gritty/sand-like; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (if quartz-based)
- Color
- Tan/yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Dull/earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone Beach Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (if quartz-based); Color: Tan/yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull/earthy; Texture: Fine-grained, gritty/sand-like; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments over millions of years. This specific specimen has been rounded and smoothed by mechanical weathering from waves and tides in a beach environment.
Uses & applications
Common sandstones are used for building stone, paving, and decorative garden landscaping. In crushed form, it is used for concrete and glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The distinct layering (stratification) visible in some specimens represents the original depositional environment, such as ancient riverbeds or sand dunes.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand grains. Found globally on coastlines and riverbeds. For collectors, search for 'ventifacts' or uniquely shaped river-tumbled stones.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
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 (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary