sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (SiO2 based sedimentary rock)

Hardness: 6 to 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, or grayish; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.1 to 2.8

Hardness: 6 to 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan, brown, or grayish
Luster: Dull or earthy

Identified June 28, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6 to 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, or grayish; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Clastic (grainy texture); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.1 to 2.8

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, typically in river beds, deserts, or marine environments over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction for building stone, tiles, and as a material for grindstones. It is also an important reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.

Geological facts

Sandstone often preserves fossils or ripple marks from ancient water currents. It makes up famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon walls and the red buttes of Monument Valley.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible grains. It is extremely common in riverbeds and mountainous sedimentary basins worldwide.