
sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Clastic Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, or reddish, dull earthy luster, quartz and feldspar grain composition.
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 of 6-7 on Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, or reddish, dull earthy luster, quartz and feldspar grain composition.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, mostly quartz, over millions of years in marine, desert, or river environments.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, building facades, paving stones, and monument creation.
Geological facts
Many of the world's most famous ancient monuments, including Petra and parts of the Egyptian temples, are carved directly out of massive sandstone cliffs.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible grainy texture like sandpaper; found globally in regions with ancient sedimentary basins.
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
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary