sedimentary
Sandstone (Pebble)
Sandstone (SiO2 dominated clastic sedimentary rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Buff, tan, brownish-yellow; Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Granular, feel like sandpaper; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains)
- Color
- Buff, tan, brownish-yellow
- Luster
- Dull, earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone (Pebble) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Buff, tan, brownish-yellow; Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Granular, feel like sandpaper; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in desert, river, or coastal environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, paving, building facades, and decorative landscaping. Small rounded pebbles have minimal industrial use.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 10-20% of the Earth's sedimentary rocks. Famous geological features like the Grand Canyon and Uluru (Ayers Rock) are largely composed of sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its distinct gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains. Found globally along riverbeds, beaches, deserts, and sedimentary rock formations.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale fragment
Shale (clay mineral rich sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale / Mudstone
Sedimentary rock (Claystone / Mudstone / Shale)
sedimentary