sedimentary

Weathered sandstone

Quartz-rich clastic sedimentary rock, commonly arkose or lithic sandstone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6–7 for quartz grains; tan to reddish-brown, dull to earthy luster, granular texture, and no obvious cleavage. Visible pores and rounded-to-angular grains indicate cemented sand rather than a crystalline mass.

Identified September 3, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when sand accumulated, compacted, and cemented—usually by silica, calcite, or iron oxides—in a river, dune, shoreline, or desert setting. Its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as building stone, paving, aggregate, and landscaping material; attractive varieties are used for architectural facing and carving. This rough fragment has little gem or collector value.

Geological facts

The rusty coloration commonly comes from iron-oxide coatings, while pale grains are typically quartz and feldspar. Weathering has softened the surface and exposed its granular structure.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible sand-sized grains, bedding, pores, and gritty fracture surfaces; a steel nail generally does not scratch individual quartz grains. Common worldwide, especially in sedimentary basins and eroded sandstone outcrops.