What does sandstone mean?
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock made from grains of sand that were deposited in layers and later compacted and cemented by mineral deposits. It is common in many parts of the world and appears in colors ranging from pale cream and yellow to brown and red. Sandstone may form cliffs, mesas, canyon walls, building blocks, and decorative architectural features, depending on its composition and resistance to erosion. Its layered structure is scientifically important because different beds can record changes in ancient environments, such as deserts, rivers, shores, or shallow seas. The term can also identify a single kind of rock, a geological formation, or the material used in construction. In everyday descriptions, sandstone is often associated with warm-colored cliffs, historic buildings, and weathered landscapes.
nounA sedimentary rock formed from grains of sand that have been deposited, compacted, and cemented together by minerals. It commonly occurs in layers and may vary in color from pale yellow and brown to red.
- A sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains that have been deposited, compacted, and cemented together.
"The village is built into dramatic red sandstone cliffs above the coast."
"Wind and rain have carved deep passages through the sandstone."
"The museum's fossil was discovered in a bed of sedimentary sandstone."
Usually used in the plural when referring to distinct rock formations, building stones, or types of sandstone.
"The region is famous for its ancient sandstones and towering cliffs."
Sandstone is a geological archive: its layers can preserve the environments and organisms of ancient landscapes, from desert dunes to riverbeds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sandstone come from?
The word is a compound of the English words sand and stone. Both elements are Germanic in origin: sand descends from Old English sand, while stone continues Old English stān. The compound was formed in English to name the rock made from consolidated sand.
How sandstone is actually used
The word is used in geology and related fields as well as in descriptions of buildings, landscapes, and monuments. It generally refers to the material or the rock type, while a specific exposed formation may be called a sandstone bed, cliff, or outcrop.
Easily confused with sandstone
Limestone is chiefly composed of calcium carbonate, while sandstone consists mainly of sand-sized mineral grains.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma, whereas sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed from deposited sand.