sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 based)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, grey, or yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic grain texture; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture possible)
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, grey, or yellowish
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, grey, or yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Clastic grain texture; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture possible)
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains (primarily quartz and feldspar) in basins, deltas, or desert environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a building material, paving stone, in the manufacture of glass, and for landscaping.
Geological facts
Sandstone represents about 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous formations include the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible grains. It is commonly found in sedimentary basins and along antiguas river beds. Acid test will not react unless it has a calcitic cement.
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Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary