sedimentary

Sandstone (with minor quartz and possible clay components)

Clastic Sedimentary Rock (SiO2 dominated)

Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale for individual quartz grains); Color: Buff, tan, and light brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Granular with visible sand grains; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale for individual quartz grains)
Color: Buff, tan, and light brown
Luster: Dull or earthy

Identified February 17, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Sandstone (with minor quartz and possible clay components) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. Typically deposited in desert, river, or coastal environments over millions of years through lithification.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a building material, in the manufacture of glass (if high silica content), and for road-base or construction aggregate.

Geological facts

Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks on Earth. It often acts as a natural aquifer, holding groundwater or petroleum due to its porosity.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its gritty, abrasive texture (like sandpaper) and visible layering or bedding. Common in arid canyons and coastal cliffs worldwide.

Other sedimentary specimens

See all

Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary

Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)

Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)

sedimentary

Chert Breccia

Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)

sedimentary

Sandstone Grain

Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)

sedimentary

Shale or Slaty Mudstone

Argillaceous sedimentary rock

sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (primarily SiO2)

sedimentary