Crystal & mineral guide
Sandstone
Clastic sedimentary rock
Cemented sand — reservoir rock, building stone, and desert landform maker.
Identify Sandstone with RockScanAbout Sandstone
Sandstone is clastic rock of sand-sized grains, commonly quartz, cemented by silica, calcite, or iron oxides. Red beds color from hematite coatings. Major aquifer/reservoir rock and historic building stone across arid regions including the Arabian Peninsula.
Sandstone belongs in a crystal identifier workflow because photo cues — color zoning, crystal habit, and surface luster — combine with measurable traits like Mohs Variable (quartz grains ~7) and specific gravity 2.2–2.8. Use RockScan’s camera to get a first-pass ID, then confirm with the checklist below.
Sandstone properties
| Mohs hardness | Variable (quartz grains ~7) |
|---|---|
| Crystal system | Clastic aggregate |
| Luster | Dull to vitreous (grains) |
| Color | Buff, red, brown, white |
| Composition | Sand-sized grains (often quartz) + cement |
| Formation | Deposition and cementation of sand |
| Occurrence | Worldwide sedimentary basins |
| Specific gravity | 2.2–2.8 |
| Cleavage | None (may show bedding) |
How to identify Sandstone
- Visible sand grains; gritty feel
- Bedding and cross-bedding common
- Hardness depends on cement
Collector notes
- Cross-bedding records ancient wind or water currents
- Quartz arenites are nearly pure quartz sandstones
Value context: Dimension stone and industrial silica sand; aesthetic patterns for décor.
Sandstone FAQ
How do you identify Sandstone?
Sandstone (Clastic sedimentary rock) is typically recognized by buff, red, brown, white color, dull to vitreous (grains) luster, Mohs hardness Variable (quartz grains ~7), and clastic aggregate crystal system. RockScan can suggest Sandstone from a photo and surface these checks on the result card.
What is Sandstone made of?
Sandstone composition: Sand-sized grains (often quartz) + cement. It forms via deposition and cementation of sand and is found in Worldwide sedimentary basins.
Is Sandstone valuable?
Dimension stone and industrial silica sand; aesthetic patterns for décor.
