sedimentary

Sandstone

Quartzose Sandstone / Lithic Sandstone

Hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from tan, brown, yellow, red, to grey depending on iron oxides and impurities, dull or earthy luster, granular texture composed of quartz and feldspar grains, poor to moderate cleavage.

Identified August 5, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, mainly quartz, deposited by water, wind, or ice in environments such as deserts, rivers, and beaches over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a construction material for building facades, paving stones, flagstones, retaining walls, and historically for grinding stones and whetstones.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations often display prominent layers called cross-bedding, which reveal the direction of ancient winds or water currents. Famous monuments worldwide, including parts of Petra and the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, are carved directly into sandstone cliffs.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains. It is commonly found globally in sedimentary basins, desert regions, and river valleys.

Other sedimentary specimens

See all

Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary

Fossiliferous Concretion

Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids

fossil

Quartz pebble

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

sedimentary

Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment

Lithic fragment / Weathered rock

sedimentary

Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble

Siltstone / Argillite

sedimentary

Sedimentary Sandstone

Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)

sedimentary