sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (lithic or quartz sandstone)

Hardness: 6-7 (approx); Color: Brown, grey, tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Fine to medium-grained; Grains: Visible sand-sized mineral particles.

Hardness: 6-7 (approx)
Color: Brown, grey, tan
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified July 21, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (approx); Color: Brown, grey, tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Fine to medium-grained; Grains: Visible sand-sized mineral particles.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains or rock fragments. Occurs in diverse environments including deserts, river beds, and ocean floors, spanning millions of years of geological history.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction as a building stone, road base, and for manufacturing glass (if high quartz purity). Frequently used for landscaping and decorative masonry.

Geological facts

Sandstone is often porous enough to act as a significant aquifer for groundwater or a reservoir for oil and natural gas. Some famous monuments, like the White House and the sandstone temples of Petra, are built from this material.

Field identification & locations

Look for a gritty, sandpaper-like feel and visible bedding or layering planes. Commonly found in riverbeds, canyons, and coastal cliffs. One of the most common sedimentary rocks in the Earth's crust.