sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale depending on cement, typically tan to brown or reddish, dull luster, granular texture composed mainly of quartz grains.
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 depending on cement, typically tan to brown or reddish, dull luster, granular texture composed mainly of quartz grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, in marine, desert, or river environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building stone, paving material, and for producing glass and abrasive products.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks and fossilized tracks, providing vital clues about prehistoric environments.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains, commonly found worldwide in 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
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