sedimentary
Sandstone (Greywacke/Lithic Sandstone)
Arenite / Lithic Sandstone
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey to brownish-grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic, fine-to-medium grained; High quartz and feldspar content with rock fragments.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grey to brownish-grey
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey to brownish-grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic, fine-to-medium grained; High quartz and feldspar content with rock fragments.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation of sand-sized minerals or rock grains in high-energy environments like rivers, beaches, or deep-sea fans. Geological age varies greatly but most common surface finds range from 20 to 500 million years old.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in construction as a building material, road base, and landscape stone. Sometimes used for making grindstones or in glass manufacturing if the quartz content is high enough.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. It is a critical reservoir rock for both petroleum and underground water (aquifers) due to its porosity.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'sandpaper' feel and visible grains. It is commonly found in riverbeds, coastal cliffs, and desert outcrops. Look for layered bedding planes (stratification).
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