sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (depending on cementation). Color: Varies widely, commonly tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white. Luster: Dull to earthy. Crystal structure: Clastic/granular texture composed mostly of quartz and feldspar grains. Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (depending on cementation)
Luster: Dull to earthy

Identified August 5, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, usually primarily quartz, in environments such as deserts, rivers, lakes, and shallow marine areas. Geological age ranges from Precambrian to recent.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction, building facades, paving slabs, decorative aggregate, and formerly for grindstones.

Geological facts

Sandstone layers often act as excellent aquifers for storing groundwater and are frequently reservoirs for oil and natural gas due to their porous nature. Famous monuments worldwide, including Petra in Jordan, are carved directly into sandstone cliffs.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its gritty texture resembling sandpaper and visible mineral grains. Found worldwide in sedimentary basins, riverbeds, and desert regions. Collectors look for unique banding, fossil inclusions, or Liesegang ring patterns.