sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock (primarily quartz arenite)
Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending on cementing material). Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white, and black. Luster: Dull to earthy. Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz). Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly).…
- Hardness
- 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending on cementing material)
- Color
- Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white, and black
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending on cementing material). Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white, and black. Luster: Dull to earthy. Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz). Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly). Specific gravity: 2.2 to 2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, mostly quartz and feldspar, that are about the size of sand (0.0625 to 2 mm). Deposited in environments such as beaches, deserts, flood plains, and deltas over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction as a building material, paving stone, and for manufacturing glass, concrete, and abrasives.
Geological facts
Sandstone is porous and permeable, which makes it an excellent aquifer for storing groundwater and natural oil and gas reserves. Famous monumental structures around the world, such as Petra in Jordan and the temples of Angkor Wat, are carved directly out of sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its visible or tactile grainy texture, often resembling sandpaper. Found globally in sedimentary basins, ancient deserts, and river valleys. Useful for geologists to reconstruct past environments and climates.
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Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
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Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
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Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
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Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
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Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
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Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
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