sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Rock (Quartz arenite)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6-7 on Mohs scale, tan to yellowish color, dull earthy luster, clastic texture composed mostly of quartz grains.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale, tan to yellowish color, dull earthy luster, clastic texture composed mostly of quartz grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in desert, beach, or river environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as building stone, paving material, and historically for grinding stones and whetstones.
Geological facts
Many famous historical monuments and ancient temples are carved directly from massive sandstone cliffs due to its workability and durability.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its visible granular texture resembling sandpaper; found worldwide in sedimentary basins and coastal regions.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
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