sedimentary
Sandstone
Quartzose Sandstone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, pale yellowish-brown to tan color, dull luster, clastic texture composed mostly of quartz grains, and a specific gravity around 2.2-2.8.
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 of 6-7 on Mohs scale, pale yellowish-brown to tan color, dull luster, clastic texture composed mostly of quartz grains, and a specific gravity around 2.2-2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz, over millions of years in marine, desert, or river environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material for building stone, paving, and occasionally in glassmaking.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often preserve ancient ripple marks and fossilized footprints, providing vital clues about prehistoric environments.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains; common worldwide in sedimentary basins and riverbeds.
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
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary