[4] The formation dates to the Carnian of the Late Triassic, locally referred to as Tuvalian, from 231.4 to approximately 222 Ma.

The Candelária Formation is composed of mudstones and sandstones deposited in a lacustrine to deltaic (distal floodplain) environment.

The basal portion of the formation consists of a coarsening-upward succession that begins with red mudstones, interbedded with small-scale trough cross-bedded sandstone lenses.

This facies association is interpreted as a lacustrine to deltaic (distal floodplain)[5] depositional environment in a humid climate.

The Candelária Formation forms part of the Gondwana II Supersequence representing the onset of continental deposition in the Paraná Basin.