sedimentary
Sandstone
Sedimentary Clastic Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation, typically tan, brown, or reddish, dull earthy luster, and composed mostly of quartz 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 of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on cementation, typically tan, brown, or reddish, dull earthy luster, and composed mostly of quartz grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz and feldspar, often in desert, beach, or river environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building material, paving stone, and in manufacturing glass.
Geological facts
Sandstone formations often display distinct visible layering or cross-bedding that records ancient wind or water currents.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gritty texture like sandpaper and visible sand grains; commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide.
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