
sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Rock (Quartzose Sandstone)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly tan to brown color, dull or earthy luster, clastic texture, and specific gravity around 2.2 to 2.8.
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 to 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly tan to brown color, dull or earthy luster, clastic texture, and specific gravity around 2.2 to 2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz, over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building material, dimension stone, paving, and for manufacturing glass.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often display distinct layering called bedding and can act as major reservoirs for groundwater and petroleum.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains, commonly found in deserts, riverbeds, and ancient marine environments.
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