Where is Sandstone found?
Sedimentary rock
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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, Arches National Park, and Monument Valley.
Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, North Africa
One of the world's largest fossil water aquifers, composed primarily of sandstone, underlying parts of Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Chad.
Sydney Basin, Australia
Dominated by Triassic sandstones (e.g., Hawkesbury Sandstone) which form the bedrock for Sydney and surrounding areas, used extensively in local architecture.
Old Red Sandstone, UK
Extensive Devonian-aged sandstone deposits found across Great Britain, particularly in Scotland and Wales, known for their distinctive reddish-brown color.
Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra is carved directly into massive sandstone cliffs, showcasing the rock's workability and durability.
Collecting tips
- Look for Sedimentary Layers. Sandstone often occurs in distinct layers or beds, indicating depositional processes. Look for outcrops in road cuts, river banks, cliffs, and quarries.
- Examine Grain Size and Texture. Feel the rock; sandstone will feel gritty due to the sand-sized grains. Use a hand lens to observe individual grains and their degree of rounding and sorting.
- Check for Sedimentary Structures. Look for features like cross-bedding (indicating ancient currents or wind direction), ripple marks (formed by water or wind), and fossil traces, which are common in sandstone.
- Consider the Environment. Sandstone forms in environments where sand accumulates. Think about ancient deserts, beaches, river systems, or shallow marine settings when searching for sandstone.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (white, gray, yellow, brown, red, green)
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy, sometimes vitreous
- Streak:
- White or very light, depending on cement and minor constituents (not typically diagnostic for the rock as a whole)
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