sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (predominantly SiO2 with iron oxides)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, reddish-brown, cream with distinct bedding layers; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular, sandpaper-like feel; Cleavage: None (fractures across grains).
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Tan, reddish-brown, cream with distinct bedding layers
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, reddish-brown, cream with distinct bedding layers; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular, sandpaper-like feel; Cleavage: None (fractures across grains).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. The visible banding (bedding) suggests deposition in a high-energy environment like a river, beach, or desert dune system. Iron oxide (hematite) provides the red/orange staining.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material (dimension stone), flagstone for landscaping, and as a reservoir rock for oil, gas, and groundwater in the energy industry.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The famous red rock formations of the American Southwest, such as the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, are primarily composed of various sandstone layers.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture and visible sedimentary layering (strata). It is commonly found in sedimentary basins and arid regions worldwide. Collectors look for unique banding patterns known as Liesegang rings.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary