sedimentary
Sandstone
Clastic Sedimentary Rock
Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending largely on cement); Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white, or black; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Amorphous/granular (composed of cemented mineral grains); Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending largely on cement)
- Color
- Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white, or black
- Luster
- Dull or earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale (depending largely on cement); Color: Tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white, or black; Luster: Dull or earthy; Crystal structure: Amorphous/granular (composed of cemented mineral grains); Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, principally quartz and feldspar, usually in environments such as beaches, deserts, flood plains, and rivers over millions of years
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, as a building material, for paving, landscaping, and historically for grinding stones
Geological facts
Sandstone formations like Zion National Park and Petra are famous for their vibrant layers and structures carved into the rock
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its characteristic grainy texture, visible sand-sized grains, and sometimes visible layering or cross-bedding
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