sedimentary
Sandstone (Ferruginous)
Arenite (primarily SiO2 with Fe2O3 cement)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6-7 on Mohs scale; tan to yellowish-brown with dark iron/manganese specks; dull to earthy luster; clastic granular texture.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale; tan to yellowish-brown with dark iron/manganese specks; dull to earthy luster; clastic granular texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and mineral cementation of sand-sized quartz grains in riverbeds, deserts, or coastal marine environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly quarried for building stone, paving, architectural accents, and as an industrial source of silica.
Geological facts
Iron oxides precipitate between the sand grains, giving the rock its characteristic warm brown-yellow hue and speckled staining.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its gritty sandpaper feel, visible sand grains, and resistance to effervescence in acid; widely distributed globally.
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