sedimentary
Sandstone
Sandstone (principally SiO2/Silicon Dioxide)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, beige, or light brown
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or light brown; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Granular/Clastic; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.2-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized grains of mineral, rock, or organic material over millions of years. This usually occurs in desert, river, or ocean environments through the process of lithification.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a building material, in the manufacture of glass (if high silica content), as a reservoir rock for petroleum and water, and for decorative garden stones.
Geological facts
Sandstone is one of the most common sedimentary rocks in the Earth's crust. It accounts for about 20% of all sedimentary rocks globally. Famous structures like Petra in Jordan are carved directly into sandstone cliffs.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its gritty, sandpaper-like texture and visible sand grains. Collectors often look for examples with distinct layers or fossils. Found globally in basins and mountainous regions.
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Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
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Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
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Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
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Mudstone
Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock
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Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary