Sandstone is the second most common sedimentary rock after shale.

Chemical Formula: Varied
Class: Sedimentary
Hardness: Varied
Coloration: Cream to read, usually orange

How to identify it/Unique Characteristics or Properties: Sandstone is a very common, the second most common sedimentary rock after shale., making up 10-20% of the sedimentary rock on earth’s crust. It is primarily found near either large windblown sand deposits or from where sand piled up in water. Sandstone is not a specific chemical composition, but is more a matter of how it was formed and the size of particles. Most sandstone, however, is quartz grains, though other minerals can provide coloration to sandstone. Sandstone can be found in many different hardness’s depending on how much metamorphosis it had undergone.

Where to find it in…

The Northwest: Widespread, especially along the coast.
Other: Widespread all across the world.
Past Uses: Sandstone has been an important building material for many people around the world, and is often carved. The ancient city of Petra, in Jordan, is carved from sandstone.
How it was Made: Small grains of other minerals are layered on top of each other and compressed into stone over time.
Interesting Facts: Because it was sediment, covered and compressed, sandstone often has many different fossils in it.