What's That Rock?Sandstone
A sedimentary rock made of cemented sand grains. It feels gritty and often shows layers.
How to identify Sandstone
- Gritty like sandpaper
- Visible rounded sand grains
- Often has flat layers or ripple marks
Often confused with
- Quartzitemuch harder, breaks through grains
- Conglomeratehas pebbles
- Siltstone
Is Sandstone valuable?
Common.
What changes the price
- Common rock: low value as a specimen
- Building and landscape sandstone is priced by volume and color
- Slabs and polished pieces with unusual patterns are only décor
Uses
- Building stone, paving, grindstones
Care
Crumbly if weathered; safe to wash gently.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026