sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 based)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, reddish-brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, brown, reddish-brown
- Luster
- Dull or 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 Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, reddish-brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments, typically through pressure and mineral cements in rivers, lakes, or deserts.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a building material, in construction projects, as paving material, and occasionally for grindstones or filtering systems.
Geological facts
Sandstone represents about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth and is critical for containing groundwater aquifers and petroleum reservoirs.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible layered bedding. Common in canyons and desert landscapes like the American Southwest.
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