sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (Quartz Sandstone)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Gray, tan, or light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Gray, tan, or light brown
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Gray, tan, or light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (sand) in marine, river, or desert environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in the construction of buildings, monuments, and paving. Also used as a reservoir rock for oil and gas or as an abrasive for grinding.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 10-20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon and the Treasury at Petra are composed of sandstone layers.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty, sand-like texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible layers of bedding. Found globally in basins and coastal areas.
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Arenite (if sandstone)
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Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
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Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
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Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary