sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily quartz arenite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, variable colors including tan, brown, yellow, and red, dull to earthy luster, and a granular texture composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles.

Identified October 26, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, variable colors including tan, brown, yellow, and red, dull to earthy luster, and a granular texture composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in desert, river, or beach environments over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a construction material for building facades, paving stones, flooring, and historically for grinding stones.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations can be thousands of feet thick and often display distinct cross-bedding layers that reveal ancient wind or water current directions.