sedimentary

Sandstone

Sandstone (Arenite)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale depending on cementation; Color: reddish-brown, tan, yellowish-grey due to iron oxides and weathered feldspars; Luster: earthy, dull; Grain size: sand-sized (0.0625 to 2 mm); Texture: gritty, rough sandpaper feel.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale depending on cementation
Luster: earthy, dull

Identified July 24, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments, typically quartz and feldspar, deposited in rivers, beaches, or desert dune environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a construction material, building stone, paving, flagstone, decorative landscaping rock, and as an aquifer in geology for groundwater and petroleum storage.

Geological facts

Sandstone represents about 10 to 20 percent of Earth's sedimentary rocks. The iconic red rock landscapes of the American Southwest, such as Zion Canyon and Sedona, are predominantly composed of sandstone layers.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctly gritty sandpaper texture when rubbed and visible quartz sand grains. Very common worldwide in sedimentary basins, river valleys, and coastal regions. Simple field test involves checking if grains detach when scratched firmly.