What defines the hardness of conglomerate?

The hardness of conglomerate is primarily influenced by the degree of cementation, which is the process where particles within the rock are bound together by minerals that precipitate from groundwater. High cementation indicates that the particles are strongly bonded, which contributes to the overall hardness of the rock. If the cementing materials are harder minerals, the conglomerate will typically be sturdier and more resistant to weathering and erosion.

The other factors, while they may play a role in the characteristics of the rock, do not primarily define its hardness. The presence of quartz can contribute to hardness, as quartz is a hard mineral; however, conglomerate can consist of various mineral compositions, and the overall hardness still depends significantly on how well those particles are cemented together. Similarly, the color of particles and the amount of sediment relate more to the composition and appearance of the rock rather than its physical hardness.