Comparison · Sedimentary Rocks
Arkose vs Sandstone
Arkose and Sandstone are easy to confuse because both are sedimentary rocks. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Arkose and Sandstone
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Arkose leaves a variable; usually light-colored streak on unglazed porcelain, Sandstone leaves variable; test individual minerals.
- They overlap in red, brown, gray, and white, but Arkose also comes in pink and Sandstone also comes in yellow.
Arkose vs Sandstone properties
| Property | Arkose | Sandstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sedimentary Rocks | Sedimentary Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 6 |
| Luster | dull | dull |
| Streak | Variable; usually light-colored | Variable; test individual minerals |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.45 | 2.3 |
| Crystal system | varies | varies |
| Common colors | Pink, Red, Tan, Gray, White | Tan, Brown, Red, Yellow, White, Gray |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1–$75+ | $1–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sandstone is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15 against $10 for Arkose, and premium Sandstone can reach $100 or more.
About Arkose
Arkose is a feldspar-rich sandstone that often looks pink, reddish, tan, or light gray and may show visible sand-sized grains.
About Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Color varies based on mineral content and cementing material.
Arkose vs Sandstone FAQ
Is Arkose the same as Sandstone?
No. Both are sedimentary rocks, but they are distinct rock types with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Arkose from Sandstone?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Arkose leaves a variable; usually light-colored streak on unglazed porcelain, Sandstone leaves variable; test individual minerals. They overlap in red, brown, gray, and white, but Arkose also comes in pink and Sandstone also comes in yellow.
Which is harder, Arkose or Sandstone?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6.
Which is more valuable, Arkose or Sandstone?
Sandstone is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15 against $10 for Arkose, and premium Sandstone can reach $100 or more.
