Rock Identifier
Sandstone (Clastic Sedimentary Rock) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale depending on cement, typically tan, brown, or reddish, dull to earthy luster, quartz-rich composition, and granular texture.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale depending on cement, typically tan, brown, or reddish, dull to earthy luster, quartz-rich composition, and granular texture.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction as building stone, dimension stone, and for paving or landscaping.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations often preserve ancient desert dunes or riverbeds, providing key clues about Earth's paleoclimate.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty texture and visible sand grains; commonly found in deserts, river valleys, and mountainous sedimentary layers.