sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Rock (Quartz Sandstone)
Hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, to pink, dull or earthy luster, granular texture made of cemented mineral particles or rock grains, specific gravity of 2.2 to 2.8.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, to pink, dull or earthy luster, granular texture made of cemented mineral particles or rock grains, specific gravity of 2.2 to 2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, most commonly quartz and feldspar, deposited by water, wind, or ice in environments such as deserts, rivers, and beaches over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material for building, paving, and flagging, as well as in the manufacture of glass and abrasives.
Geological facts
Sandstone often preserves ripple marks and cross-bedding from ancient environments, providing geologists with clues about prehistoric wind and water currents.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains. Found worldwide in regions with ancient sedimentary basins, cliffs, and desert areas.
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