Rock Identifier
Sandstone (Clastic Sedimentary Rock) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation. Colors range from tan, brown, yellow, red, to grey with a dull or earthy luster.

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Physical properties

Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation. Colors range from tan, brown, yellow, red, to grey with a dull or earthy luster.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, in marine, lake, or desert environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a construction material for building, paving, and dimension stone, as well as in manufacturing glass.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks and fossilized tracks, providing key clues about prehistoric environments.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains, commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide.