sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 principal)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Brown, tan, reddish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Gritty, medium-grained sand particles; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs)
- Color
- Brown, tan, reddish
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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: 6-7 (Mohs); Color: Brown, tan, reddish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Gritty, medium-grained sand particles; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, typically through water action in rivers, lakes, or oceans over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Construction material, architectural stone, grindstones for sharpening tools, and as a reservoir rock for oil and natural gas.
Geological facts
Sandstone represents about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The famous red rocks of the Grand Canyon and Petra in Jordan are both primary examples of sandstone formations.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its sandpaper-like feel and visible grains. Commonly found in sedimentary basins and arid regions globally. Collectors look for unique banding (Liesegang rings) or fossil inclusions.
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