sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Clastic Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; typically tan, brown, yellow, or red; dull to earthy luster; clastic texture composed mostly of quartz grains.
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Physical properties
Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation; typically tan, brown, yellow, or red; dull to earthy luster; clastic texture composed mostly of quartz grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed by 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 material, for paving, and in the manufacture of glass and abrasives.
Geological facts
Many of the world's tallest and most famous monuments and ancient temples were carved directly out of massive sandstone cliffs.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible mineral grains; found worldwide in sedimentary basins.
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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