sedimentary
Sandstone (Water-worn pebble)
Sedimentary Rock (Quartz arenite)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Tan, brown, or yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains)
- Color
- Tan, brown, or yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Tan, brown, or yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (predominantly quartz sand grains), often in desert, river, or beach environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, building stone, paving, glassmaking, and sometimes as whetstones or naturally tumbled decorative landscaping stones.
Geological facts
Many famous historical monuments and ancient structures, such as Petra in Jordan and parts of the Egyptian temples, were carved directly out of massive sandstone cliffs. Water-worn pebbles like this one are smoothed over time by river currents or wave action.
Field identification & locations
Commonly found in stream beds, riverbanks, beaches, and sedimentary rock formations worldwide. Field identification relies on its gritty texture, visible sand grains, and resistance to scratching by a steel knife if quartz-rich.
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