sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand-sized grains); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8; Feel: Gritty like sandpaper.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, beige, brown
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (sand-sized grains); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8; Feel: Gritty like sandpaper.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Typically deposited in deserts, riverbeds, or beaches over millions of years (clastic sedimentation).
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material (dimension stone), in glass manufacturing (if high silica), and as a reservoir rock for oil and natural gas.
Geological facts
Sandstone can preserve ancient ripple marks from prehistoric water bodies and is an excellent aquifer for storing groundwater. Famous examples include the red rocks of Sedona and the Grand Canyon strata.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible layering (bedding planes). Found globally in sedimentary basins. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.
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Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
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Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
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