sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, brown, or grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, brown, or grey
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sandstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, brown, or grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments, typically through marine or desert deposition processes over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction for building stone, paving, and decorative architectural features; also a source of silica for glassmaking.
Geological facts
Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks on Earth, making up about 20% of all sedimentary rock on the planet. It often contains fossils and serves as a major reservoir for groundwater and oil.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty texture (feels like sandpaper) and visible sand grains. Found globally in canyon walls, riverbeds, and coastal regions.
More like this
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