sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily Quartz-rich)
Hardness: 6-7 (if quartz-rich); Color: Tan, beige, or yellow-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular/Sand-like; Porous and gritty to the touch.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (if quartz-rich)
- Color
- Tan, beige, or yellow-brown
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (if quartz-rich); Color: Tan, beige, or yellow-brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular/Sand-like; Porous and gritty to the touch.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments over millions of years, typically in desert, river, or ocean environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a building material, grit for grinding, and as a reservoir rock in the petroleum industry for oil and natural gas.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon and the Treasury at Petra are carved into or composed of sandstone layers.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand grains. It is found globally in sedimentary basins and along ancient coastlines.
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Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
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Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
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Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
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