sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone with Iron Oxide
Ferruginous Sandstone
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown to tan due to iron oxide staining; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular and clastic; Cleavage: None; Structure: Massive or layered.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Reddish-brown to tan due to iron oxide staining
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Sedimentary Sandstone with Iron Oxide 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: Reddish-brown to tan due to iron oxide staining; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Texture: Granular and clastic; Cleavage: None; Structure: Massive or layered.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the accumulation and cementation of sand-sized mineral grains (usually quartz) by a mineral binder such as silica or calcium carbonate, with significant iron-rich minerals leaching into the matrix.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a building material, in landscaping, and in the manufacturing of abrasives or glass if silica content is high.
Geological facts
The red color in sandstone is often a result of 'desert varnish' or hematite coating the individual sand grains; it is the primary rock type of many famous natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon.
Field identification & locations
Field identification involves checking for a gritty, sandpaper-like feel and the presence of visible grains. It can be found in sedimentary basins and riverbeds worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Mudstone
Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock
sedimentary