Rock Identifier
Sandstone (Quartzose Sandstone) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Sandstone

Quartzose Sandstone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness of 6 to 7. Tan, brown, or reddish color with a dull to vitreous luster and granular texture.

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness of 6 to 7. Tan, brown, or reddish color with a dull to vitreous luster and granular texture.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles or rock fragments, primarily quartz, over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction as a building material, for paving, and in the manufacture of glass.

Geological facts

Sandstone formations often preserve ancient desert dunes and riverbeds, providing vital clues about Earth's paleoclimate.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains; commonly found in deserts, riverbeds, and ancient marine basins.