Sandstone
“Cemented grains of time”
Sedimentary
Sandstone forms when sand-sized grains of minerals, rock fragments, or organic material are compacted and cemented together. The color of sandstone varies widely depending on its composition and the cementing material binding it.
Composition
quartz, feldspar, lithic fragments, iron oxide cement
Where Found
Red Rock Canyon (USA), Petra (Jordan), Blue Mountains (Australia), Zion National Park (USA)
Mohs Hardness
6-7
Fun Fact
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan was carved directly into rose-red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago.
Test Your Knowledge
What primarily determines the mechanical strength of a sandstone?
Related Specimens
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