sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Rock
Hardness: 6-7 (depending on quartz content), Color: Varies from tan, brown, yellow, red, grey to pink, Luster: Dull or earthy, Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral particles or rock fragments cemented together), Cleavage: None
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 (depending on quartz content), Color: Varies from tan, brown, yellow, red, grey to pink, Luster: Dull or earthy, Crystal structure: Clastic (composed of mineral particles or rock fragments cemented together), Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, chiefly quartz and feldspar, typically in environments like deserts, rivers, and beaches.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction as building material, paving stones, and in the manufacturing of glass and abrasives.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations can be very durable and form many famous geological landmarks and monuments around the world, such as Petra and parts of the Grand Canyon.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty texture and visible sand-sized grains; commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary