sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Clastic Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; colors include tan, brown, yellow, red, and grey; dull or earthy luster; 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 varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; colors include tan, brown, yellow, red, and grey; dull or earthy luster; composed mostly of quartz and feldspar grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in marine, lake, or desert environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building material, for paving, and in manufacturing glass.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks and desert dune cross-bedding from millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct gritty texture similar to sandpaper and visible mineral grains; found globally in sedimentary basins and escarpments.
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