sedimentary
Sandstone Pebble
Sedimentary Clastic Rock (Quartz Arenite)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Brown, tan, yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic/granular texture composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments; Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale (due to quartz grains)
- Color
- Brown, tan, yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Dull to 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 the Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Brown, tan, yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic/granular texture composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments; Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation (lithification) of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz sand grains, deposited by water, wind, or ice in environments like deserts, rivers, and beaches over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as dimension stone, in road aggregate, and historically as grindstones for sharpening tools.
Geological facts
Sandstone can preserve ancient ripple marks and dinosaur footprints, providing crucial clues about prehistoric environments.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in sedimentary basins, riverbeds, and coastal areas; easily identified by its gritty texture and visible sand grains.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary