Rock Identifier
Sandstone (Clastic sedimentary rock) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic sedimentary rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, colors vary from tan and brown to red and grey, dull luster, composed mainly of quartz and feldspar grains.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, colors vary from tan and brown to red and grey, dull luster, composed mainly of quartz and feldspar grains.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in desert, river, or beach environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction, building facades, paving, and as a raw material for glassmaking.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations can store vast amounts of groundwater and petroleum, making them crucial reservoir rocks.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains; found worldwide in ancient and modern sedimentary basins.