sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale depending on cement; Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Amorphous rock made of mineral grains; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale depending on cement
Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white
Luster: Dull to earthy

Identified August 6, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from cemented sand-sized grains, usually quartz and feldspar, deposited by water, wind, or ice in environments like deserts, beaches, and rivers over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used widely in construction as building stone, paving, and decorative aggregate, as well as an aquifer reservoir rock for water and petroleum.

Geological facts

Many famous historical monuments and ancient temples, such as Petra in Jordan and parts of the Egyptian pyramids, were carved directly out of sandstone formations.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains. Found worldwide in sedimentary basins and desert regions. Collectors often look for unique banding patterns or fossil inclusions.