Where is Banded Sandstone found?
Sedimentary rock, Sandstone
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Open the appBanded Sandstone 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 Banded Sandstone
Colorado Plateau, USA
Extensive exposures of beautifully banded sandstones, such as the Navajo Sandstone and Entrada Sandstone, are found in national parks like Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands. These formations often display cross-bedding in addition to horizontal banding.
Australia (various regions)
Banded sandstones are common in many Australian sedimentary basins, including those in Western Australia and Queensland, often associated with ancient river systems and coastal environments.
United Kingdom (e.g., Old Red Sandstone)
While not always distinctly banded, some facies of the Old Red Sandstone in areas like Scotland and Wales exhibit variations in color and texture that can create a banded appearance.
India (Vindhyan Basin)
The Vindhyan Supergroup contains significant deposits of banded sandstones, particularly in regions like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, used historically for construction.
Collecting tips
- Look for Outcrops. Banded sandstones are best observed in natural outcrops, road cuts, and canyon walls where weathering has exposed the bedding planes and internal structures.
- Examine Sedimentary Structures. Beyond simple horizontal banding, look for cross-bedding, ripple marks, and other sedimentary structures that can provide clues about the depositional environment.
- Observe Color Variations. The most striking feature is the color banding. Note the different hues and how they alternate, as this is key to identification.
- Check Grain Size and Sorting. Feel the rock to assess its grittiness and observe the uniformity (or lack thereof) of grain sizes within and between bands.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Alternating bands of various colors (e.g., red, white, brown, yellow, grey).
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy.
- Streak:
- White to light brown, depending on the dominant mineral grains and cement. For iron-rich bands, it might be reddish-brown.
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