sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, grey, white, or buff; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of sand-sized grains); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, grey, white, or buff
- Luster
- Dull or earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, grey, white, or buff; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of sand-sized grains); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (sand) in marine or terrestrial environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction as building stone, flagstone for paving, as a source of silica for glassmaking, and in grindstones.
Geological facts
Sandstone is one of the most common types of sedimentary rock and often preserves fossils and ripple marks from ancient riverbeds or beaches.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible grains. Often found in layered formations in canyons, cliffs, and quarries globally.
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Arenite (if sandstone)
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Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
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Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
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Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
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Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
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Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary