sedimentary
Sandstone
Sandstone (composed predominantly of SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 6-7 on Mohs scale, yellowish-brown to tan color, earthy to dull luster, granular texture, composed mainly of quartz and feldspar sand grains.
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 on Mohs scale, yellowish-brown to tan color, earthy to dull luster, granular texture, composed mainly of quartz and feldspar sand grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the compaction and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments (sand) in terrestrial, riverbed, desert, or marine environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material, paving stone, building veneer, flagstone, and in landscape architecture.
Geological facts
Sandstone accounts for roughly 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. Its porosity allows it to act as an aquifer for groundwater or a reservoir for petroleum and natural gas.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sandy feel, visible fine grains, and crumbly edges when broken. Commonly found in exposed cliff faces, canyons, riverbeds, and quarries globally.
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