Rock Identifier
Sandstone (Quartz arenite / Clastic sedimentary rock) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Sandstone

Quartz arenite / Clastic sedimentary rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6-7 (driven by quartz grains), brown to reddish color, dull to granular luster, clastic or fragmental texture.

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 of 6-7 (driven by quartz grains), brown to reddish color, dull to granular luster, clastic or fragmental texture.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in desert, river, or beach environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction as a building material, dimension stone, and for paving or landscaping.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks and fossil tracks, offering a window into prehistoric environments.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty texture and visible sand-sized grains; commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide.