We follow Kirby Stone Company's initial lesson in natural limestone by taking a look at a sedimentary relative, sandstone. This blog post will help to better serve a compare/contrast analysis between natural sandstone and limestone.
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What is Sandstone?
Referring back to our reference guide, The Columbia Encyclopedia1, we can gather this definition of sandstone:
"sedimentary rock formed by the cementing together of grains of sand. The usual cementing material in sandstone is calcium carbonate, iron oxides, or silica, and the hardness of sandstone varies according to the character of the cementing material; quartz sandstones cemented with quartz are the hardest."
Comparatively, natural sandstone and limestone are both sedimentary rocks. You can refer to our LIMESTONE lesson for more information on the classification of sedimentary rock. However, in contrast, natural sandstone is classified as grains of sand and rock that have been cemented together.
Natural sandstone often vary greatly in color, more so than limestone, due to the variations within the grains themselves. Thus, many times, sandstone is much more "earthy" with colors ranging from grays, buffs (or tan), reds, or browns, although green and some other colors may also be found.
St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, Australia
Usage of Sandstone Today
Similar to limestone, natural sandstone has been used for centuries a primary masonry material. From beautiful examples of art and architecture, like St. Mary's Cathedral above, structures that have stood the very test of time, like the Karnak Temple of Ancient Egypt below, sandstone has been used greatly worldwide due to the rich variety of colors that can be attained. This wide variety of colors give each project a unique aesthetic that, in turn, will never be exactly matched.
It can only be assumed a product like natural sandstone was also used, aside from it's availability, because it is tremendously durable. While some sandstones are softer than others, a private residence today may not have worry about the slow erosion of a stone house because, even with some deterioration, the sandstone will be there long after we are all gone!
It can only be assumed a product like natural sandstone was also used, aside from it's availability, because it is tremendously durable. While some sandstones are softer than others, a private residence today may not have worry about the slow erosion of a stone house because, even with some deterioration, the sandstone will be there long after we are all gone!
In addition to large structures and buildings, natural sandstone is also much easier to split than limestone. Therefore, it has become a tremendously popular product in a flagstone pattern, or irregular shape. With flagstone, a user is able to utilize it in a vertical wall application, similar to dimensional stone, but it can also be utilized creatively in landscaping and patio applications.
The versatility and durability of natural sandstone products in today's construction world make it a tremendous asset in planning your next project, inside or out. The wide array of colors, textures and shapes will be sure to make your project one of a kind!
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"Stone Showcase: Autumn Blend"
"Stone Showcase: Autumn Blend"
References
1 "sandstone." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Retrieved January 18, 2011 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-sandston.html
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