sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic sedimentary rock (Quartz arenite or arkose)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (depending on cementation); Color: Varies widely including tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, and pink; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral grains cemented together, primarily quartz and feldspar); Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly);…

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

Identified August 5, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Sandstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, usually sized between 1/16 mm and 2 mm (sand-sized), typically in environments like deserts, rivers, beaches, or shallow marine areas over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction as a building material, dimension stone, paving stone, and in the manufacturing of glass and concrete.

Geological facts

Many of the world's most famous ancient monuments, including Petra in Jordan and the temples of ancient Egypt, were carved directly out of massive sandstone formations due to its relatively easy workability.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its characteristic grainy texture, similar to coarse sandpaper, and visible individual grains. Commonly found worldwide in sedimentary basins, desert regions, and ancient riverbeds.

Other sedimentary specimens

See all

Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary

Fossiliferous Concretion

Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids

fossil

Quartz pebble

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

sedimentary

Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment

Lithic fragment / Weathered rock

sedimentary

Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble

Siltstone / Argillite

sedimentary

Sedimentary Sandstone

Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)

sedimentary