sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; typically tan, brown, yellow, or red; dull to earthy luster; composed mainly of quartz and feldspar grains.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; typically tan, brown, yellow, or red; dull to earthy luster; composed mainly of quartz and feldspar grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, in marine, desert, or river environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material for building, paving, and dimension stone, as well as an aquifer for groundwater and a reservoir rock for petroleum.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations like Zion National Park and Petra showcase dramatic cross-bedding created by ancient wind or water currents.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains; commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
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
fossil
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)
sedimentary