Rock Identifier
Sandstone (Clastic sedimentary rock) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Sandstone

Clastic sedimentary rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, predominantly tan to brown color with visible quartz grains, dull to vitreous luster, and a granular texture.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, predominantly tan to brown color with visible quartz grains, dull to vitreous luster, and a granular texture.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, predominantly quartz, over millions of years in marine, desert, or river environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction as a building material, dimension stone, and for paving, as well as in the manufacture of glass and abrasives.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks and fossils, providing key insights into prehistoric environments.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains; commonly found in deserts, canyons, and sedimentary basins worldwide.