sedimentary

Sandstone (Pebble)

Sandstone (SiO2 dominated with minor feldspar/clay)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 (depends on cementing agent); Color: Light tan, buff, or brownish-gray; Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Fine- to medium-grained, rough gritty surface; Specific Gravity: ~2.2 - 2.8.

Hardness: 6-7 (depends on cementing agent)
Color: Light tan, buff, or brownish-gray
Luster: Dull, earthy

Identified July 25, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (depends on cementing agent); Color: Light tan, buff, or brownish-gray; Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Fine- to medium-grained, rough gritty surface; Specific Gravity: ~2.2 - 2.8.

Formation & geological history

Formed by the compaction and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically quartz and feldspar, deposited by water, wind, or ice in river beds, beaches, or desert dunes over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as building material, flagstone, gravel, and in landscaping. Highly common as field pebbles and river rocks.

Geological facts

Sandstone accounts for roughly 20 percent of all sedimentary rocks in the Earth's crust. Water percolating through sand grains deposits minerals like calcite, silica, or iron oxide, which act as natural glue to bind the grains together into solid rock.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinctive grainy, sandpaper-like feel and visible small rounded or angular sand-sized grains. Found worldwide in sedimentary rock basins, stream beds, and coastlines.