
sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Rock (Quartz arenite)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, or reddish, dull to vitreous luster, clastic texture with visible quartz grains.
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 on Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, or reddish, dull to vitreous luster, clastic texture with visible quartz grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, over millions of years in various environments like deserts, rivers, and beaches.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as building stone, paving material, and in the manufacturing of glass and abrasives.
Geological facts
Sandstone often preserves ancient ripple marks and fossil tracks, offering a window into prehistoric environments and climates.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gritty texture and visible sand grains; commonly found globally in sedimentary basins and eroded cliffs.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary