
sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Clastic Rock (Quartzose Sandstone)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale due to quartz content; colors range from tan, brown, yellow to red; dull luster; granular texture.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale due to quartz content; colors range from tan, brown, yellow to red; dull luster; granular texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, in marine, desert, or river environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building material, dimension stone, paving, and in the manufacturing of glass and concrete.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations can act as excellent aquifers for groundwater storage and often preserve ancient ripple marks and fossils.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains, commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary