Sandstone
Rock
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2021
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains. Often banded in appearance, sandstone is one of the most common types of sedimentary rock and is found throughout the world. It is often mined for use as a construction material or as a raw material used in manufacturing. This stone can be cut, polished and carved for a variety of both practical and ornamental purposes.
General Information
Common Name
Sandstone
Species
Rock
Transparency
Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: None
Optic Character
NA
Optic Sign
NA
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
4
Luster
Dull
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
mostly quartz and feldspar
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Rock
Sandstone Colors
-
Orange -
Brown -
Pink -
Red -
Multi-color -
Gray -
Yellow
Alternate Names
Arenite
Countries of Origin
United States of America (the); Unknown; China; Brazil; Australia; Jordan; India; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
Care
Normal care