sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary rock composed mainly of quartz sand
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6-7 on Mohs scale; reddish-brown color due to iron oxide; dull luster; clastic texture with visible sand grains; no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale; reddish-brown color due to iron oxide; dull luster; clastic texture with visible sand grains; no cleavage.
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 in construction as a building material, dimension stone, and paving material.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks and fossilized footprints, providing key clues to past environments.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible quartz grains; commonly found worldwide in sedimentary basins and escarpments.
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