sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 primarily)
Color: Brown/Tan; Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Texture: Clastic with sand-sized grains; Luster: Dull; Porous and abrasive feel.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Brown/Tan
- Luster
- Dull
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Physical properties
Color: Brown/Tan; Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Texture: Clastic with sand-sized grains; Luster: Dull; Porous and abrasive feel.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments of sand size, typically in desert, river, or coastal environments.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction, paving, as a decorative stone, and as a reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.
Geological facts
Sandstone represents about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Familiar landmarks like the Grand Canyon are primarily composed of sandstone layers.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gritty feel and visible sand grains. It is extremely common in riverbeds and arid landscapes.
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Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
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Mudstone
Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock
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Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary