sedimentary
Sandstone with Quartz Vein
Arenite with Crystalline Silica (SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, grey, beige with white crystalline areas; Luster: Dull/Earthy (matrix) to Vitreous (quartz); Texture: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Tan, grey, beige with white crystalline areas
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy (matrix) to Vitreous (quartz)
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone with Quartz Vein in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, grey, beige with white crystalline areas; Luster: Dull/Earthy (matrix) to Vitreous (quartz); Texture: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the lithification of sand-sized minerals or rock grains (mostly quartz and feldspar) in desert, river, or ocean environments. The quartz pocket or vein formed later via hydrothermal mineral deposition in rock cavities.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, road base, and as a source of industrial silica sand. Samples with unique crystal pockets are collected as hobby specimens.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for roughly 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The visible grains signify the energy of the environment where the sediment was originally deposited.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'sandpaper' feel and visible grains. Often found in canyons, riverbeds, and sedimentary basins. Look for the contrast between the porous host rock and the hard, crystalline quartz infill.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
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