sedimentary
Sandstone (lithic/arkosic)
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 (approximate based on quartz content); Color: Grayish-green to tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular and gritty; Structure: Clastic with visible grains.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (approximate based on quartz content)
- Color
- Grayish-green to tan
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (approximate based on quartz content); Color: Grayish-green to tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular and gritty; Structure: Clastic with visible grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. This specimen appears to have formed in a high-energy environment like a riverbed or coastal area where sediments were deposited and later compressed over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction as an aggregate, for road building, or as landscaping stone. High-quality sandstone is used as a dimension stone for buildings.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for about 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The color of sandstone is often determined by the cementing material (e.g., iron oxides for red, or clay/mica for gray-green).
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sandpaper-like feel and visible grains. It is extremely common in sedimentary basins worldwide. For collectors, look for versions with interesting banding or fossils.
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