sedimentary

Sandstone (likely Quartzose Sandstone)

Arenite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz content); Color: Tan, beige, or light brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic texture with visible sand-sized grains; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz content)
Color: Tan, beige, or light brown
Luster: Dull or earthy

Identified April 3, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, typically in environments like deserts, river deltas, or beaches. Geological age can range from Precambrian to Holocene.

Uses & applications

Used widely as a construction material (dimension stone), in glass manufacturing if high in silica, for grindstones, and as decorative garden features.

Geological facts

Sandstone is often an excellent aquifer or reservoir for petroleum and natural gas because of its porosity and permeability. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado is a famous landform made of sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible layers or bedding planes. It is commonly found in sedimentary basins and canyonlands. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.