sedimentary

Sandstone (Quartz-rich)

Sandstone (SiO2 dominated)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (if quartz-based); Color: Tan, brown, or grey with iron-oxide staining; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic; Cleavage: None (grains break across boundaries); Texture: Gritty, sandpaper-like feel.

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (if quartz-based)
Color: Tan, brown, or grey with iron-oxide staining
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified March 15, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. This specimen appears water-worn, likely tumbled in a river or coastal environment during the Holocene or older geological epochs.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a building stone, in road base construction, as a source for glass-making sand, or as decorative garden stones.

Geological facts

Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks in Earth's crust; it serves as a primary reservoir for underground water, oil, and natural gas due to its high porosity.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its grainy texture which feels like sandpaper. It is found globally in deserts, riverbeds, and coastal regions. For collectors, look for cross-bedding or fossil inclusions.