sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified June 21, 2026More sedimentary →

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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.