sedimentary
Sandstone (with Calcite or Silica veins)
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, grey, brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Texture: Fine to medium-grained; Structure: Bedded or massive; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Tan, grey, brown
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, grey, brown; Luster: Dull to earthy; Texture: Fine to medium-grained; Structure: Bedded or massive; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles (usually quartz or feldspar) over millions of years in alluvial, desert, or marine environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction as a building stone or paving material; also used as a reservoir rock in the petroleum industry.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The Great Sphinx of Giza was carved from a natural outcrop of sandstone and limestone.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible layers. Look for it in outcrops, riverbeds, and mountainous regions with exposed sedimentary strata.
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