Where is Sandstone found?
Sedimentary rock, predominantly quartz arenite
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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
United States
Extensive deposits across the US, including the Navajo Sandstone (Utah, Arizona), Dakota Sandstone (Western US), St. Peter Sandstone (Midwest), and Potsdam Sandstone (New York).
United Kingdom
Significant occurrences, particularly in Scotland (e.g., Old Red Sandstone), and parts of England (e.g., Permian and Triassic sandstones).
Australia
Widespread, including the Sydney Basin (Hawkesbury Sandstone) and various desert regions.
Canada
Found in various basins, including the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and parts of the Canadian Shield.
Middle East
Important reservoir rocks for oil and gas, particularly in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Collecting tips
- Look for sedimentary layers. Sandstone typically occurs in distinct layers or beds, often interbedded with other sedimentary rocks like shale or limestone. Look for outcrops in road cuts, river valleys, and coastal cliffs.
- Examine grain size and feel. Rub the rock surface; if it feels gritty like sandpaper, it's likely sandstone. Use a hand lens to observe individual sand grains (0.0625 mm to 2 mm).
- Test for quartz dominance. Scratch a glass plate with a loose grain or a sharp edge of the rock. If it scratches glass, it indicates the presence of hard minerals like quartz (Mohs hardness 7). For quartz arenite, this test will be positive due to the high quartz content.
- Observe sorting and rounding. Well-sorted and well-rounded grains are indicative of mature sandstones, often characteristic of quartz arenites, suggesting prolonged transport and reworking.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (white, gray, tan, red, brown)
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy (individual grains vitreous)
- Streak:
- White (for pure quartz arenite; may vary with cementing material)
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