3/4/2009
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock group which is mostly made up of tiny grains of quartz. Most sandstone is formed in oceans, lakes and rivers where tiny bits of rock and dirt settle to the bottom. Year after year, these layers of sand get buried under tons of more sand and dirt until it is turned into solid rock. Sandstone can be found in many colors. Physical Properties of Sandstone Color The color varies from red, green, yellow, gray and white. The variation is result of the binding material and its percentage constituent. Water Absorption The capacity of water absorption is not more than 1.0% Hardness Lies between 6 to 7 on Moh's Scale Density 2.32 to 2.42 Kg/m3 Porosity The porosity varies from low to very low. Compressive Strength Varies from 365 to 460 Kg/m2 Chemical Properties of Sandstone The chemical constitution of sandstone is the same as that of sand, the rock is thus composed essentially of quartz. The natural cementing material that binds the sand together as rock is usually composed of silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide. Chemically sandstone is very resistant Mono-Mineralic rock, with silica as the principal. The percentage of each constituents is as follows:
SiO2 |
93-94% |
Iron (Fe2O3) |
1.5%-1.6% |
Alumina (Al2O3) |
1.4 to 1.5% |
Soda (Na2O) & Potash (Kro) |
1.0% to 1.2% |
Lime (CaO) |
0.8% to 0.9% |
Magnesia (MgO) |
0.2 to 0.25% |
Loss On Ignition (LOI) |
1.0% to 1.2% |
They are highly resistant to acids, alkalis and thermal impact. Uses of Sandstone
· Manufacturing of plate glass, fine table glassware, and common glassware.
· Crushed in concrete and asphalt to fill in dike and jetty construction.
· Rough and weathered sandstone is used as fireplaces, walls, and walkways.
· As decorative stones.
· As bookends, clocks, paperweights, coaster, etc.
· As flooring or paving material.
· Load bearing masonry
· Sandstone slabs and sandstone tiles are used in cladding.
· In chemical industries as flooring, wall fixing and lining due to its acid and alkali resistant properties.
· It is ideal for carving and architectural uses as pillars, arches, garden furniture, fountains, landscaping products and stone arts & crafts.
· Sandstone blocks are used as foundations and stonewalls.
Ocurrances of Sandstone
India |
Bari Railway station in Bharatpur district Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai, Madhopur, Bundi, Bikaner, and Bhilwara Indore, Damoh, Bilaspur, Rewa, Nimar, Sagar, Satna, Raigar,and Shahdol districts in Madhya Pradesh Dholpur, Sawaimadhopur, Chittorgarh, Nimbhahera, Jhalawar, Pali and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan Kynshi River, West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya Bagia Nala, Bargarh district in Chattisgarh Sitla Mata, Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh Dhaula dhar and siwalik range of the himalayan in Hinachal Pradesh |
Scotland |
Watlen, Caithness Elgin, Moray Byness, Lothian Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway |
Algeria |
Jurjura and Shellata |
Source: http://www.allystone.net/aboutstone/2009/Sandstone_84.html
