sedimentary
Sandstone
Sandstone (composed predominantly of Quartz, SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 (quartz grains); Color: Tan, beige, buff, light brown; Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Granular, medium-grained sand particles bound by natural cement; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6-7 (quartz grains)
- Color
- Tan, beige, buff, light brown
- Luster
- Dull, earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (quartz grains); Color: Tan, beige, buff, light brown; Luster: Dull, earthy; Texture: Granular, medium-grained sand particles bound by natural cement; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments in riverbeds, lakes, deserts, or marine environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a building material, paving stone, decorative landscaping rock, and historically for grinding stones. Also serves as an important reservoir rock for groundwater and petroleum.
Geological facts
Sandstone rocks often contain ripple marks, cross-bedding, or trace fossils preserved from ancient sand dunes or river beds. They make up about 20 to 25 percent of all sedimentary rocks on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its distinctive gritty sand-paper feel and visible sand grains. Highly abundant along riverbeds, beaches, desert bluffs, and mountain outcrops globally.
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