sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, brown, or reddish-brown; Luster: dull/earthy; Texture: granular, sandpaper-like feel; Structure: clastic; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- tan, brown, or reddish-brown
- Luster
- dull/earthy
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: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, brown, or reddish-brown; Luster: dull/earthy; Texture: granular, sandpaper-like feel; Structure: clastic; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Forms from the accumulation of mineral particles or rock fragments (clasts) such as quartz or feldspar. These grains are cemented together by silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide over millions of years under pressure in environments like deserts, river beds, or beaches.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a common building material in construction, for making grindstones, as a reservoir rock in the oil and gas industry, and for decorative masonry and landscaping.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up approximately 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Its porosity makes it a critical aquifer for holding groundwater and a primary trap for petroleum deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand-sized grains. It often displays distinct layering or bedding planes. It is commonly found in sedimentary basins, canyons, and mountainous regions worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary