Sedimentary Rocks · common
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Color varies based on mineral content and cementing material.
Also known as: building stone, petra.
Sandstone properties at a glance
| Type | Sedimentary Rocks |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 6 |
| Luster | dull |
| Streak | Variable; test individual minerals |
| Cleavage | Variable by mineral grains |
| Fracture | Granular |
| Specific gravity | 2.3 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Tan, Brown, Red, Yellow, White, Gray |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Forms when sand grains are cemented together by silica, calcite, or iron oxide over millions of years.
Used in construction worldwide, from ancient Egyptian temples to modern buildings.
How to identify Sandstone
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Sandstone examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Full Sandstone identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Sandstone vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Sandstone.
Where Sandstone is found
Sandstone is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Sandstone worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $15 |
| Premium specimen | $100+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Building stone
- Paving
- Decorative stone
Interesting facts
- Petra in Jordan is carved from rose-red sandstone
- Contains fossils and trace fossils of ancient life
- The Sydney Opera House is clad in Swedish granite but sits on Hawkesbury sandstone
Care & safety
Treat Sandstone as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Sandstone FAQ
What is Sandstone?
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Color varies based on mineral content and cementing material.
How much is Sandstone worth?
Entry-level Sandstone specimens sell for around $1, a typical collector specimen for about $15, and premium pieces for $100 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Sandstone?
Sandstone has a Mohs hardness of 6. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
Where is Sandstone found?
Notable sources of Sandstone include USA, Australia, UK, and India. Forms when sand grains are cemented together by silica, calcite, or iron oxide over millions of years..
What is Sandstone used for?
Sandstone is used for building stone, paving, and decorative stone.
