sedimentary

Sandstone (likely Graywacke or Arkose)

Arenite

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Gray to tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of grains); Cleavage: None; Feel: Gritty like sandpaper.

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Gray to tan
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified July 15, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Gray to tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of grains); Cleavage: None; Feel: Gritty like sandpaper.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. Typically deposited in riverbeds, beaches, or shallow sea environments before undergoing lithification.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a building material, road base, or in the manufacturing of glass and grindstones if high in silica content.

Geological facts

Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks on Earth. It often preserves fossils, ripple marks, and ancient desert dunes within its layers, providing a window into the planet's past climate.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its gritty texture and visible grain layering. Found globally in sedimentary basins. Collectors often look for examples with unique weathering patterns or fossil inclusions.