Rock Identifier
Sandstone (Clastic Sedimentary Rock) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; colors include tan, brown, yellow, red, and gray; dull or earthy luster; composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz.

Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; colors include tan, brown, yellow, red, and gray; dull or earthy luster; composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in environments like deserts, rivers, and beaches over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction as a building material, paving stone, and for making glass or concrete.

Geological facts

Sandstone often preserves ripple marks and fossilized tracks, providing a record of ancient environments.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its gritty texture like sandpaper and visible sand grains; commonly found worldwide in sedimentary basins.

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

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

Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock

Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint

fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone (Arenite (if sandstone)) — Sedimentary

Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary
Sandstone (Arenite) — sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite

sedimentary
Shale (Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)) — sedimentary

Shale

Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)

sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone) (Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)) — sedimentary

Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)

Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)

sedimentary