This study investigates the impact of stratification on the infrared radiation and temporal damage mechanism of hard siltstone, which is crucial for the safe operation of tunnels. Uniaxial compression tests, coupled with acoustic emission (AE) and infrared radiation temperature (IRT), were conducted on siltstones with different stratification effects. The results show that the stratigraphic structure significantly affects the stress-strain response and strength degradation, exhibiting anisotropy in mechanical parameters. The stratification effect negatively correlates with cracking and peak stress. Failure modes, including splitting, composite, and shearing, display anisotropic features. AE temporal sequences exhibit a stepwise response to loading stress, with shearing and composite failures being more stress-sensitive than splitting failure. The IRT field shows spatiotemporal migration and progressive dissimilation under higher stress levels, with stronger stratification leading to greater dissimilation. The average infrared radiation temperature (AIRT) variance at local stress drop and peak stress can serve as early and late precursors for fracture instability. The study provides theoretical insights for disaster warnings in hard sedimentary rock masses.This study investigates the impact of stratification on the infrared radiation and temporal damage mechanism of hard siltstone, which is crucial for the safe operation of tunnels. Uniaxial compression tests, coupled with acoustic emission (AE) and infrared radiation temperature (IRT), were conducted on siltstones with different stratification effects. The results show that the stratigraphic structure significantly affects the stress-strain response and strength degradation, exhibiting anisotropy in mechanical parameters. The stratification effect negatively correlates with cracking and peak stress. Failure modes, including splitting, composite, and shearing, display anisotropic features. AE temporal sequences exhibit a stepwise response to loading stress, with shearing and composite failures being more stress-sensitive than splitting failure. The IRT field shows spatiotemporal migration and progressive dissimilation under higher stress levels, with stronger stratification leading to greater dissimilation. The average infrared radiation temperature (AIRT) variance at local stress drop and peak stress can serve as early and late precursors for fracture instability. The study provides theoretical insights for disaster warnings in hard sedimentary rock masses.