sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (SiO2 principal)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 (on Mohs scale); Color: Tan, brown, yellow; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular/Sand-like; Porosity: High.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (on Mohs scale)
- Color
- Tan, brown, yellow
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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: 6-7 (on Mohs scale); Color: Tan, brown, yellow; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular/Sand-like; Porosity: High.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains (usually quartz or feldspar) over millions of years in river beds, beaches, or deserts.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a building material, paving stone, and in the production of glass and industrial abrasives.
Geological facts
Sandstone can preserve ancient fossilized footprints and ripple marks from prehistoric water bodies. It makes up approximately 20% of the Earth's sedimentary rock.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its gritty, abrasive feel and visible sand grains. Common worldwide in river basins and canyons. Use a magnifying glass to see individual grains.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary