sedimentary
Sandstone (with Laminations)
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily Quartz-based)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or grey with visible darker horizontal bands; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Gritty, medium-grained; Structure: Parallel lamination/stratification.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, beige, or grey with visible darker horizontal bands
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or grey with visible darker horizontal bands; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Gritty, medium-grained; Structure: Parallel lamination/stratification.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in riverbeds, deserts, or coastal environments. This specimen shows distinct layering reflecting changes in energy or sediment supply during deposition.
Uses & applications
Used widely as a building and paving material (flagstone), in high-quality glass manufacturing, and as a reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.
Geological facts
The visible lines are called laminations; they are essentially a record of ancient environmental conditions. If the layers were thicker than 1cm, they would be called beds.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'sandpaper' feel and visible horizontal layering. It is found in vast sedimentary basins globally. Collectors look for unique banding patterns or fossils preserved between layers.
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