sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite/Quartz Arenite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan, yellow, red, or brown, Luster: dull, Crystal structure: clastic (granular), Cleavage: none, Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
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: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan, yellow, red, or brown, Luster: dull, Crystal structure: clastic (granular), Cleavage: none, Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed by the compaction and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in riverbeds, deserts, or coastal environments. Ages range from Precambrian to Recent.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for building blocks, paving, flooring, and as a raw material for glass manufacturing and decorative sculpture.
Geological facts
Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks in the Earth's crust. It often serves as a reservoir for oil, natural gas, and groundwater due to its high porosity.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sand-like texture and visible grains. Commonly found in canyons, modern deserts, and ancient seafloors. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.
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