sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 6 to 7 for quartz-rich varieties; color varies from tan, brown, yellow to red; dull or earthy luster; composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 6 to 7 for quartz-rich varieties; color varies from tan, brown, yellow to red; dull or earthy luster; composed of cemented mineral particles or rock fragments.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, typically in desert, river, or marine environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building stone, paving material, and in the manufacture of glass.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often preserve ancient environments and fossilized tracks due to their depositional nature in dunes and riverbeds.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its visible sandy texture and gritty feel; commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide.
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