sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 predominantly)
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.
- 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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Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
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Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
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Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary