sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 predominantly)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, brown, or light yellow; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic/Granular; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Tan, brown, or light yellow
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, brown, or light yellow; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic/Granular; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, cemented together by silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide over millions of years in riverbeds, deserts, or marine environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a construction material, for architectural flagstones, grindstones, and as a reservoir rock in the petroleum industry.
Geological facts
Sandstone represents about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Because of its porosity, it is one of the most important types of rock for storing groundwater and fossil fuels.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible grains of sand. It often shows bedding or layering. Common globally in sedimentary basins.
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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
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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)
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