sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (mainly SiO2 with varying cements)
Mohs hardness: 6-7 (individual grains), color: tan, brown, or grayish; luster: dull; texture: clastic (gritty like sandpaper); specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (individual grains), color: tan, brown, or grayish
- Color
- tan, brown, or grayish
- Luster
- dull
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness: 6-7 (individual grains), color: tan, brown, or grayish; luster: dull; texture: clastic (gritty like sandpaper); specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation and lithification of sand-sized mineral grains, most commonly quartz and feldspar, in environments such as deserts, riverbeds, and beaches.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a building material, in the manufacture of glass, as road base, and for architectural cladding.
Geological facts
Sandstone can preserve fossilized footprints and ripple marks from ancient environments, providing a snapshot of life millions of years ago. It makes up about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture and visible layers. It often reacts weakly or not at all to acid (unlike limestone) and can be easily scratched off into sand grains.
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Arenite (if sandstone)
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Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
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Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
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Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
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Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
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Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary