sedimentary
Sandstone (Pebble)
Sandstone (SiO2 dominated with minor feldspar/clay)
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
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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.
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