sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (Siliclastic sedimentary rock)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, beige, light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular, feels like sandpaper; Composition: Primarily quartz and feldspar grains.

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Tan, beige, light brown
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified July 4, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, beige, light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular, feels like sandpaper; Composition: Primarily quartz and feldspar grains.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Typically deposited in desert, river, or coastal environments over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a building material, in paving, for making grindstones, and as a reservoir rock for oil and natural gas.

Geological facts

Sandstone makes up about 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Famous geological structures like the Grand Canyon are primarily composed of various sandstone layers.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its gritty texture and visible sand grains. It is often found in outcrops, riverbeds, and mountainous regions. Collectors look for unique weathering patterns or fossils within the layers.