sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale (depending on cement); Color: Gray, tan, brown, yellow, red; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Amorphous/granular aggregate made of mineral grains; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale (depending on cement)
- Color
- Gray, tan, brown, yellow, red
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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: 6-7 on Mohs scale (depending on cement); Color: Gray, tan, brown, yellow, red; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Amorphous/granular aggregate made of mineral grains; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, chiefly quartz and feldspar, in environments such as beaches, deserts, and rivers. Geological age varies widely from Precambrian to recent.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, building stone, paving, and manufacturing glass or abrasive tools.
Geological facts
Sandstone often preserves ancient ripples, fossil tracks, and dune cross-bedding, providing geologists with a record of ancient environments.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gritty texture, visible sand grains, and layered sedimentary structure. Found worldwide in sedimentary basins.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary