sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains); Color: Varies widely including tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, and white; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Composed of cemented mineral particles rather than a single crystal structure; Cleavage: None, but tends to fracture along bedding planes;…

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (due to quartz grains)
Luster: Dull to earthy

Identified July 28, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, chiefly quartz and feldspar, in environments such as deserts, rivers, lakes, and shallow marine areas over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction, building facades, paving stones, architecture, and historically for grindstones and whetstones.

Geological facts

Sandstone is porous and permeable, making it an excellent natural reservoir for groundwater, oil, and natural gas. Famous monuments like Petra in Jordan and the White House in Washington, D.C., are built from sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct gritty texture (like sandpaper) and visible sand grains cemented together. Found globally in regions with ancient sedimentary basins, deserts, or coastal formations.