sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (primarily SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (governed by quartz content); Color: Tan, beige, or yellowish-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grain-based); Cleavage: None (fractures around grains); Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs (governed by quartz content)
Color: Tan, beige, or yellowish-brown
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified March 23, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. Typically deposited in deserts, riverbeds, or beaches. Geological age can range from Precambrian to Holocene.

Uses & applications

Extensively used as a building material, paving stone, and in the manufacturing of glass. Also used for grindstones and decorative landscaping.

Geological facts

Sandstone accounts for about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous monuments like the Treasury at Petra in Jordan are carved directly into sandstone cliffs.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its gritty 'sandpaper' texture and visible layers (bedding). Often found in canyons, plateaus, and coastal cliffs. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.