sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (quartz arenite)
Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending on cementation). Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, or white. Luster: Dull to earthy. Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral grains cemented together), not crystalline. Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.2 to 2.8.
- Hardness
- 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending on cementation)
- Color
- Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, or white
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending on cementation). Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, or white. Luster: Dull to earthy. Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral grains cemented together), not crystalline. Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.2 to 2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, principally quartz and feldspar, that are about the size of sand (0.0625 to 2 mm). Deposited in environments such as beaches, deserts, floodplains, and shallow marine areas over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as a building material, dimension stone, paving, and for manufacturing glass, concrete, and abrasives.
Geological facts
Sandstone layers can store vast amounts of groundwater, natural gas, and crude oil, making them important reservoirs for energy and water resources. Famous landmarks like Petra in Jordan and the Great Pagoda in China are carved directly out of massive sandstone formations.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its distinct gritty texture (feeling like sandpaper) and visible sand-sized grains. Commonly found worldwide in sedimentary basins, cliffs, and desert regions. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.
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Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
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Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
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Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
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Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
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Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
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Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary