sedimentary
Sandstone
Sandstone (clastic sedimentary rock composite)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, brownish-grey, or buff; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Gritty, medium-grained sand particles; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Tan, brownish-grey, or buff
- Luster
- Dull/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, brownish-grey, or buff; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Gritty, medium-grained sand particles; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments (clasts) usually in river beds, deserts, or coastal environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a building material, in the manufacture of glass (if high silica content), as a grinding stone, and increasingly in landscaping.
Geological facts
Sandstone makes up about 10-20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Its porosity makes it a major reservoir for groundwater, oil, and natural gas.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sandpaper-like feel and visible grains of sand (often quartz). It can be found globally in outcrop formations and river 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
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary