Where is Sandstone found?
Sedimentary rock, clastic
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Open the appSandstone occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Sandstone
Colorado Plateau, USA
Famous for vast exposures of red and orange sandstones (e.g., Navajo Sandstone, Entrada Sandstone) forming iconic landscapes like Zion National Park and Arches National Park.
Appalachian Basin, USA
Contains extensive sandstone formations (e.g., Oriskany Sandstone, Berea Sandstone) important for oil and gas reservoirs.
Sahara Desert, North Africa
Large eolian sandstone deposits, often forming vast dune fields and ancient bedrock exposures.
Australia
Significant sandstone formations, including the Sydney Basin (Hawkesbury Sandstone) used extensively in construction, and the vast desert regions.
United Kingdom
Various sandstone units, such as the Old Red Sandstone and New Red Sandstone, are prominent in many regions and used historically as building stone.
Collecting tips
- Look for Layering. Sandstone often exhibits bedding planes, which are horizontal layers formed during deposition. These can be visible as distinct bands or changes in color/texture.
- Feel the Grittiness. Rub a sample of the rock; if it feels gritty due to individual sand grains, it's likely sandstone. This distinguishes it from finer-grained rocks like siltstone or shale.
- Examine Grain Size. Use a hand lens to confirm that the majority of the grains are sand-sized (between 0.0625 mm and 2 mm). This differentiates it from conglomerate (larger grains) or siltstone (finer grains).
- Check for Cement. Observe the material binding the grains. Common cements like quartz (hard, glassy), calcite (reacts with acid), or iron oxides (red/brown coloration) can help classify the sandstone type.
- Consider the Environment. Sandstone is common in areas that were once ancient beaches, riverbeds, deltas, or deserts. Understanding the geological history of an area can guide your search.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (white, gray, yellow, brown, red, pink, black)
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy (individual grains vitreous)
- Streak:
- White (for quartz-rich sandstone); may vary with cement (e.g., reddish-brown for iron-rich cement)
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