sedimentary
Sandstone
Sandstone (composed mainly of SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 6 to 7; tan, light brown, to reddish color; earthy to dull luster; clastic granular texture composed of sand-sized grains; soft to rough surface feel.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 6 to 7; tan, light brown, to reddish color; earthy to dull luster; clastic granular texture composed of sand-sized grains; soft to rough surface feel.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the compaction and cementation of sand grains deposited by water, wind, or ice in environments like deserts, beaches, riverbeds, and delta systems over geological time.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material, flagstone, paving, decorative landscaping stone, and as a source of silica sand for glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Sandstone represents about 10 to 20 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Its porous nature makes it an important reservoir for groundwater and petroleum.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sandy feel and visible quartz or feldspar grains that rub off like sand when scratched. Found abundantly in sedimentary basins worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary