sedimentary
Sandstone
Quartz Arenite / Clastic Sedimentary Rock
Hardness: 6-7 (due to quartz grains), Color: Varied (brown, tan, yellow, reddish), Luster: Dull to earthy, Structure: Clastic with visible sand-sized grains, Cleavage: None
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (due to quartz grains), Color: Varied (brown, tan, yellow, reddish), Luster: Dull to earthy, Structure: Clastic with visible sand-sized grains, Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, principally quartz, in environments such as deserts, rivers, and beaches over millions of years
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, building facades, paving stones, flagstones, and historically for sharpening grindstones
Geological facts
Sandstone formations like Zion National Park or Petra in Jordan showcase massive, wind-blown cross-bedding and rich iron oxide staining
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains; widely distributed globally in sedimentary basins
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