sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, tan, brown, or weathered black; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic grain texture; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2 - 2.8.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Grey, tan, brown, or weathered black
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified July 12, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, tan, brown, or weathered black; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic grain texture; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2 - 2.8.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains (usually quartz or feldspar) in environments like riverbeds, deserts, or ocean floors over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a construction material (dimension stone), in glass making (silty sandstones), and as a reservoir rock for water, oil, and gas due to its porosity.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations like those in the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon record millions of years of Earth's history through their distinct bedding layers.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible grains. Common in sedimentary basins worldwide. Collectors look for unique patterns like liesegang rings or fossil inclusions.