
sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Rock (Quartz arenite)
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, yellow, or red in color, dull to earthy luster, granular texture composed mostly 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 of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, yellow, or red in color, dull to earthy luster, granular texture composed mostly of quartz and feldspar grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, in marine, lake, or desert environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, building facades, paving stones, and as a natural grindstone.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks, fossilized footprints, and desert dune cross-bedding, providing geologists with clues about prehistoric environments.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains. It is found worldwide in sedimentary basins and arid or coastal regions.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
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