sedimentary
Sandstone (Ferruginous)
Arenite with Iron-Oxide Cement
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, brown, rust-red, yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular, sandpaper-like feel; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8; Structure: Clastic.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Tan, brown, rust-red, yellowish
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone (Ferruginous) 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, rust-red, yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular, sandpaper-like feel; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8; Structure: Clastic.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. The brownish-red tinting indicates oxidation of iron-bearing minerals during or after deposition in a terrestrial or shallow marine environment.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a building material, in paving, for decorative garden stones, and as a source of quartz for glass making in purer forms.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. It often contains significant aquifers or reservoirs for petroleum and natural gas due to its porosity.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible grains. Often found in riverbeds, cliffs, and desert outcrops. Look for layered bedding or cross-bedding structures in larger outcrops.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary