Subangular to well-rounded, fine- to medium-grained argillaceous to clean, more or less glauconitic sandstones, locally grading into conglomeratic sandstones. Bioturbation and rootleting are common, and can obliterate existing (cross-)stratification. Mica, shell fragments and lignite particles are widespread.
Transgressive basal sands (lag) and/or as prograding coastal-barrier or offshore shoal-sands.
Conformably or mildly unconformably overlies sediments of the Schieland Group or the Scruff Group. The lower boundary of the formation generally is sharp. The base of the Vlieland Sandstone Formation is a transgressive unit following the Late Kimmerian tectonic event, and as such may unconformably overlie older deposits.
Conformable contact with the Vlieland Claystone Formation, but the De Lier Member in places is slightly unconformably overlain by the Holland Formation.