sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Arenite
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Light tan, buff, beige; Luster: Earthy to dull; Texture: Granular, medium-grained feel like sandpaper; Composition: Primarily quartz grains with silica or calcite cement.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Light tan, buff, beige
- Luster
- Earthy to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Light tan, buff, beige; Luster: Earthy to dull; Texture: Granular, medium-grained feel like sandpaper; Composition: Primarily quartz grains with silica or calcite cement.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the compaction and cementation of sand grains, usually deposited in desert, river, or beach environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material, flagstone, paving, and decorative stone. Finely ground quartz sandstone is also used in glassmaking.
Geological facts
Sandstone records ancient environments; the cross-bedding structures within sandstone beds can indicate the direction of ancient wind or water currents.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sandy, abrasive texture when rubbed and visible quartz grains. Commonly found in sedimentary basins, canyons, and stream beds worldwide.
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