sedimentary

Sandstone

Sandstone (Arenite)

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, brown, or buff with reddish-iron staining; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic; Composition: Primarily quartz and feldspar grains.

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Tan, brown, or buff with reddish-iron staining
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified July 18, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, brown, or buff with reddish-iron staining; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic; Composition: Primarily quartz and feldspar grains.

Formation & geological history

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

Uses & applications

Used extensively in construction (as a building stone or for paving), as an abrasive in grinding wheels, and as a reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.

Geological facts

Sandstone makes up about 20% of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The famous Red Rocks of Colorado and the structures of Petra in Jordan are carved from sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its gritty feel (like sandpaper) and visible sand grains. Found globally in basins and coastal areas. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.