Sandstone – Meaning, Uses, Facts, Properties & Color
What is Sandstone? Sandstone is one of the most common kinds of clastic sedimentary rocks consists of sand-size (0.06 to 2 mm) clasts or grains of minerals and organic matter. Formation of Sandstone The formation of sandstone occurs mostly in two phases, sedimentation/accumulation & compaction. Sedimentation of sand particles takes place either through water or air. Compaction occurs with physical pressure and chemical changes. The steps are: Sedimentation of quartz crystals Formation of cement & matrix Formation of pores Types of Sandstone Components The first phase forms sand clasts or grains due to the transportation of sand particles from the source. The second phase forms cement or binding material and matrix as filler between the framework grains or clasts. The pore space is a void where no clasts, cement, or matrix matter exists. Let’s know these components of sandstone with some details. Grains or Clasts in Sandstone Clasts...