sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 primarily)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, brown, or yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8. Usually feels gritty like sandpaper.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, brown, or yellowish
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, brown, or yellowish; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Specific Gravity: 2.2-2.8. Usually feels gritty like sandpaper.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, typically through the lithification of ancient beach, river, or desert sand deposits.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a building material, in the manufacture of glass (if high silica content), and for grinding/sharpening tools historically.
Geological facts
Sandstone can reveal ancient wind patterns and water currents through cross-bedding structures. It is a major reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture and visible sand grains. Common in arid regions and along coastlines. Collectors look for unique banding or fossil inclusions.
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Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary