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Sandstone is one of the most known and common verity of sedimentary rocks and it comes out of the composition of sand-size grains rock fragment, silicate minerals with some other organic materials. It can be found in all the sedimentary basins all over the world. It also has sand grains and cementing material binds together.

It can have matrix of silt- or clay-size particles that fill the voids between the sand grains. It has a clastic texture that is not visible to unaided eyes, only with microscope it can be seen. Based on the percentage of clast or cement it can be soft or hard. Due to the composition and variation of minerals, it is available in different colors like yellow, grey, red, white and etc. the surface of sandstone rocks is Gritty to touch, meaning that they feel like sandpaper.

Popularity of Sandstone

Sandstone is available in many places across the World. For instance, in the USA, there are 4 main deposits and in South Africa, there are at least 8 different types of sandstones but many of the quarries in this country have been shot down. As for Europe, it is home to some kinds of sandstones; with countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and France holding most of the deposits. Germany, claims on having the most deposits from all over the world with around 64 variations.

History of Sandstone

The history of sandstone uses goes way back. Even in prehistoric times, Sandstone was used as domestic construction material and house objects. It was a common material for building houses. It is relatively soft which makes it easy to carve, so it can be used as a material for sculptures and artistic purposes. Some sandstones can resist the weathering and they are easy to work with, this makes them a great paving material

Sedimentary rocks 

Sedimentary rocks are one of the three main groups of natural rocks. as its obvious in their name, they are the production of sedimentation process. In a more precise explanation, when deposition of mineral or organic crumbs are settled in one place. This process takes a lot of time but the result is a beautiful textured rock in various colors. this formation process most of the times happen around places with running water like rivers or at the bottom of the sea or lakes that can move these elements around and gather them all around in one place and over time various version of sedimentary rocks are made.

Sediment is the name of small particle and crumbs that are engaged in sedimentation process. The sediment particles are from two main groups:

  • Mineral particle that are originated from geological detritus
  • Organic matters which are basically biological detritus.

One of the most popular natural stone that is placed in sedimentary rock category and more accurately, formed out of geological detritus is sandstone. Sandstone is famous natural stone that has different applications in constructional projects. In this article we will discuss all the thing that you need to know about them.

Sandstone formation process

in layman’s terms, sandstone is made out of sandy pieces or small particles that are glued together with things such as mud. Like any other type of sedimentary rocks, sandstone sedimentary rock formation takes time but the result which is a durable and beautiful stone, is worth it.

You can personally understand the formation process by just looking at them, if you look closely you will see the sandy particles with your own eyes. Underneath their simple texture, there are great deal of information. An expert geologist or a professional can tell you all about its various particles which gives it different percentages of physical properties that can make clear to where and how it is better to use them.

In a little more scientific view, when sand grains are deeply buried, the pressure it takes allows minerals to dissolve or have changes in their form. The sand grains become knit together and the all the sediments involved are pressed into a little volume. At this point, the sediments are glued together with cementing material carried by fluids there. The lack of oxygen makes results in the red colors that come from iron oxides in which leading to more dark or gray colors.

Where does sandstone formation process happen?

Most of the sandstone types formation process, occurs when sand has laid and buried near river deltas, under the sea and lakes. Also there are records that show a specific variation of sandstone which forms in desert dunes like the Grand Canyon which has formed just in a desert environment. another formation is made when people decide to make sandstone by their own which has also lots of disadvantages but there are still people who like to make sandstone by their own.

Fossils

A fact about sandstones that form under the seas and lakes is that sometimes fossils of animals or sea plants can be find in their layers. This can be an amazing or even fun fact but the energetic environments where these sand beds are formed are not always in favor of environmental preservations.

Sandstone cost and value

Sandstone is kind of natural stone that can be easily found all around the world. There are many countries such as Australia, USA, parts of Europe, Africa, India and many others that have its quarry with high qualities.

Availability of sandstone in various colors, shapes, sizes and more importantly different uses or applications has made to be one of the most preferable material by architects, designers and Contractor in their architectural, renovation and constructional projects. sandstone tile can have reasonable costs to. Other than the aesthetic appeal, the sandstone tiles are natural material so when installed, they will add instant value to your property.

Here at Unikastone, we have different suppliers for sandstone in and out of Australia. You can find more about them by browsing through our sandstone gallery.

Sandstone Variation (based on color and hardness)

Due to the variation of sandstone in its color and durability or hardness, it is categorized in four different groups:

  • Gray sandstone
  • Crystallized sandstone
  • Hard sandstone
  • Carbonate cemented sandstone

Gray sandstone

First group, the gray sandstone is a kind out natural stone formed out of the mixture of different shades of grey grains which yields this elegant rock. The hardness of this sandstone group is not much in comparison to other kinds especially on the edges. The edges of this type of natural stone is very weak and it can even shatter under minor impacts. So this type of sandstone shouldn’t be used in high traffic areas under high loads on them, such as driveways.

Crystallized sandstone

This category of sandstones is available in white color with a sugary texture and appearance. As for their hardness, they can be very hard but they are fragile and brittle to. They also have an elegance appearance with a polished and smoothed surface.

Hard sandstone

The various characterization of this group is somewhere between gray sandstones and crystallized sandstones. like gray sandstone, it is available in different shades of grey and similar to crystallized sandstones it has a hard but fragile texture.

Carbonate cemented sandstone

Carbonate cemented sandstones are unique and rare to find. They usually are a type of gray sandstone in which its crumbs are glued together with either calcium carbonate or iron carbonate cement. These cements can make the main part of the rock –or its core- hard but as doing so they will leave a brown or yellowish stain around its core. If the sandstone has a bubbly texture, calcium carbonate cement is involved. But if the stone is made by iron carbonate cement, it has a deep brown stains with a sugary appearance on the broken edges.

Sandstone Variation (based on composition)

This classification is a geological method. Due to the variation in composition and cementing materials in sandstone texture, it has three different categories with indication of its depositional history, including:

  • Quartz Sandstone: Quartz sandstone which can suggest a very long period of time in their depositional process.
  • Arkose: These type of rocks is made out of feldspar which can weather quickly. This means that Arkose rocks have taken a short period of time in their depositional process.
  • Litharenite or lithic sandstone: This category can indicate an arid environment or an accelerated erosion.

Sandstone applications

Sandstone has vast range of uses in architectural, landscaping, constructional, renovations or even interior design projects. It is a valuable material that other than many amazing properties that it has; it comes in many colors and it is available all over the world. All the amazing features that sandstone has plus its durability, has made it a perfect natural material suitable especially for outdoor projects with open areas.

Due to the mineral available in its texture, it is available on the market in various colors such as white, gray, brown, red even nearly black-the darkest shades of gray sandstone-.

Architectural

Using sandstone can add warmth to project and as for architectural applications, architects use sandstone for both interior and exterior purposes. They sandstone slab and tile for exterior applications such as paving and wall cladding. And as for indoor, they use these tiles in living spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways or for decoration, making amazing fireplaces with an easy way to clean sandstone fireplace, counter tops, paving and etc.

Landscape Architecture

Just like we mentioned before, sandstone is a perfect material for outdoor applications; because it has a porous texture, it can absorb water and also it makes a slip-resistant surface. So therefore, landscape architects use sandstone for paving, wall cladding, fountains, furniture’s or garden benches, swimming pool edges and etc.

Constructional

In some rare projects based on the weather conditions and load calculated by engineers, they use sandstone to build the foundations or other load bearing parts of the project.

Sandstone properties

Sandstone is mainly recognized to have properties such as high strength, durability, slip-resistant and being more porous than other natural stones like granite. This natural stone can pass the test of time even in the harshest climates while increasing its value and aesthetic fascination. To prove this theory, we can see this natural stone has been used in monumental building such as Petra and The White House in the USA.

 

The Pros and Cons of Sandstone Tile

Advantages of sandstone tiles

There are many good reasons that why you should choose sandstone for your projects. Here, we name some of them:

Appearances

Sandstone is a very beautiful natural stone. It is available in many colors. And its texture with the original shore sands color can give you the feeling that you are walking on a beach side which can be a good choice for paving your outdoor areas. Unlike manmade tiles, sandstone tiles are unique and can add more warmth to your place.

Durability

Sandstone is highly durable which makes it a strong and hard material that can bear the weight of objects and high traffics. The hardness level of sandstone is not as high as granite or slate which also can be a good feature. It makes sandstone easier to cut and shape. Also walking barefoot on a sandstone surface is more appealing than other hard surfaces. It also is so much lookalike to Travertine; even so, Sandstone is named as a travertine lookalike tile.

Eco-friendly Material

Sandstone slab and tiles will not do harm to the environment and they can be reused. they can even be recycled naturally which will take a lot of time but compare to manmade materials like plastic its nothing.

Maintenance and care

They are very easy to maintain. All you need to do is to make sure they are seal during the installation process. Using a suitable sealant can help you to have your tiles for much longer time in their great condition. Also you can replace your broken tiles very easily. We advise you to buy and keep some extra tiles for that occasion.

Disadvantages of Sandstone Tiles

Like any other material, natural or artificial, there are some cons about sandstone tiles that you should know about and keep them in mind:

Absorbing water

The sandstone slab and tiles can absorb water which can be a disadvantage for them; as they absorb the water they can be more damaged from molds and having more traces of stains. To avoid this, you should use a proper sealant when you yourself or a professional is installing them. If you want to use sandstone tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, remembering this fact is very important. Also you should reapply the sealant over time, its period depends on the product; ask about it from the supplier

Scratch marks

The sandstone slab and tiles can easily have scratch marks or dents on theirs surfaces; even with simple tasks such as pulling chairs, walking with high heels and dropping objects on the floor.

Slippery when polished

You should always choose the finishing very carefully. For example, if you apply a polished finish on a sandstone tile, it will dangerously get slippery wen the floor is wet.

Stains

If you immediately do not clean the sandstone tiles properly after something spills on it; it will stain and leave a mark on your floor. Also you should be careful about the detergents that you use. Some of the acidic cleaners can cause a chemical reaction and leave stains to your floor.

Weather

Sandstone slab and tiles can weather and age through time. It doesn’t matter if you take very good care of them; this a natural process that cannot be stopped. Also some people even like the weathered appearances of sandstone tile, you should just be more careful with them as they can easily get damaged or harmed. It all mean that whether this is both a pro or a con, it just dependents on your preferences.

In the end, here at Unikastone we have various types of sandstone. All you need to do is to go through our gallery and choose your preferred one, then just purchase it online. If you have more questions or you are still uncertain about your decisions and need help, contact us. we have a great group of consultors that can help you find the suitable material for your project.