
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan, grey, brown. Luster: dull to earthy. Structure: clastic/granular. Cleavage: none. Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan, grey, brown
- Color
- tan, grey, brown
- 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 (Mohs scale), Color: tan, grey, brown. Luster: dull to earthy. Structure: clastic/granular. Cleavage: none. Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments, which are then cemented together over millions of years by minerals like silica or calcium carbonate in riverbeds, deserts, or oceans.
Uses & applications
Construction (building stone, pavers), glass manufacturing (if high silica), and as a reservoir for oil and groundwater.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for roughly 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous formations include the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, 'sandpaper' feel. Commonly found in river basins, quarries, and coastal cliffs. Highly common worldwide.
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