sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily quartz, SiO2, with feldspar and lithic fragments)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 6-7 (quartz grains); buff, tan, or grayish-brown color with an earthy, dull luster and a distinct, gritty sandpapery texture.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 6-7 (quartz grains); buff, tan, or grayish-brown color with an earthy, dull luster and a distinct, gritty sandpapery texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the compaction and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles deposited in desert, river, beach, or shallow marine environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as an architectural building stone, flagstone, paving material, and an aggregate in concrete.
Geological facts
Sandstone layers make up vast reservoirs for groundwater aquifers and petroleum deposits worldwide due to their high porosity and permeability.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by rubbing its surface to feel its distinct gritty grain texture. Common in sedimentary basins, cliffs, and canyonlands globally.
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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