sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 based with mineral cements)
Mohs hardness: 6 to 7; Color: Tan, brown, reddish-brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6 to 7
- Color
- Tan, brown, reddish-brown
- Luster
- Dull or earthy
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness: 6 to 7; Color: Tan, brown, reddish-brown; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments over millions of years. This specimen appears to be a water-worn or weathered piece common in riverbeds or coastal areas.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material (dimension stone), in glass making (if high silica), and as a decorative landscaping rock.
Geological facts
Sandstone can record ancient environments; ripples in the stone may indicate the flow of a prehistoric river or tidal patterns from hundreds of millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gritty, abrasive texture similar to sandpaper. Common globally in sedimentary basins. Collectors often look for colorful banding or fossil inclusions.
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