The Old Red Sandstone

The Old Red Sandstone is a geological formation made up of reddish-colored sandstones and shales that formed around 400 to 350 million years ago during the late Silurian and early Devonian periods. These rocks are primarily found in parts of Scotland, England, and Wales. They represent ancient river, lake, and delta environments where sediments settled and compacted over time. The distinctive red color comes from iron oxide (rust) within the rocks. The Old Red Sandstone provides valuable insights into early terrestrial ecosystems and the Earth's surface conditions during a time when land plants and animals were beginning to evolve.