Red Sandstone (Conglomerate/Breccia variety)
Clastic Sedimentary Rock with Hematite-stained Quartz and Feldspar · Decorative Stone / Mineral Specimen / Lithic Fragment
Crystal System
Aggregate of multiple systems; typically Hexagonal/Trigonal (Quartz) and Monoclinic (Feldspar) grains in a massive habit
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate grains) within a sedimentary matrix
Chemical Formula
Mainly SiO2 (Quartz) and KAlSi3O8 (Feldspar) with Fe2O3 (Hematite) cementation
Formation Process
Sedimentary: Formed through the weathering of pre-existing rocks, transport of grains by water or wind, and lithification via chemical precipitation (iron oxide cementation).
About This Crystal
A coarse-grained, clastic rock with a distinctive reddish-brown to terracotta base. It features visible angular to sub-rounded white and gray inclusions (Quartz and Feldspar) embedded in a fine-grained silty or clay-like matrix. The luster is earthy to dull.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Rust red to maroon with white specks. Streak: Reddish-brown. Cleavage: None (rock breaks across grains). Fracture: Granular/Uneven. Specific Gravity: 2.2 - 2.8. Non-fluorescent. Potentially porous.
Optical Properties
Generally opaque as a bulk specimen. Individual quartz grains may show light transmission. No optical phenomena like pleochroism are visible in the aggregate state.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Globally distributed; prominent in the Southwest US (Red Rock regions), Scotland, and central Australia. Formed in terrestrial environments like deserts or floodplains.
Hardness & Durability
Variable (Mohs 6.0 - 7.0 for grains, but much lower for the matrix, typically 3.0 - 5.0). Brittle tenacity; prone to crumbling or weathering over time.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners which can dissolve the mineral cement. Clean with warm water and soft bristles. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners due to the rock's porous and granular nature.
Rarity & Value
Common; very low market value for raw specimens. Primarily valued as building material or landscaping stone rather than a gemstone.
Special Characteristics
Porphyritic-like texture for a sedimentary rock; the high iron content (Hematite) provides the deep red color-change resistance, though it can fade slightly if weathered by acid rain.
Lore & History
Historically used as a primary building stone (e.g., 'Brownstone' architecture). In folklore, red stones are traditionally associated with grounding, the Root Chakra, and endurance, symbolizing the deep connection to the Earth's history.