About Sandstone
One of the most recognizable natural stone surfaces is sandstone. It offers the appeal of a natural material and the unique character that many seek out. Like all materials, sandstone is not without its drawbacks. Yet, it offers so much in the way of visual texture. In this article, we will take a look at natural sandstone since
perceiving differences between natural and man made materials takes a bit of effort. As we do, we will explore the properties of this material. We will also give consideration to what methods of care and maintenance to follow.
What is Sandstone?
Sandstone is a naturally forming sedimentary rock that is made of sand-sized grains of solicates. It is found in a range of colors and is the kind of stone that comprises 20-25% of all sedimentary rocks. Note how
Geology.com describes this interesting natural stone:
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand-size grains of mineral, rock, or organic material. It also contains a cementing material that binds the sand grains together and may contain a matrix of silt- or clay-size particles that occupy the spaces between the sand grains.
So sandstone can be formed using silicate materials, one of which is quartz.
Properties of Sandstone
As you might imagine, sandstone comes in a number of colors. The color is, like most natural stone, affected by the impurities in the grains making up the stone. Some of the most popular colors of sandstone include:
- Brown
- Pink
- Cream
- Beige
- Black
- White
- Yellow
- Gray
- Red
Because of the color variation in sandstone, it can be used in a variety of designs.
Sandstone is a very hard stone. On the MOhs scale, it registers at 6 to 7. Since the scale ranges from 1 (the softest) and 10 (the hardest), you can see that it is on the hard end of that spectrum.
In addition to color variety and stone hardness, natural sandstone like nearly every natural stone, is porous. Each stone will have its own degree of porosity depending on evironmental factors during its formation. But it will all be porous to one degree or another.
Uses for Sandstone
Sandstone has a couple of basic uses. First, it is used as crushed stone. Second, it is used as dimension stone (cut into units or slabs) and made into blocks, panels, tiles, and even countertops.
Crushed sandstone is used in the construction of highways, roads, and bridges. It is also used for buildings like commercial structures and residential buildings.
Slabs and blocks are used for architectural materials. Countertops can also be made from sandstone. It is also used for making vanities, floors and wall panels inside.
Working With Sandstone
Just like any hard natural stone surface, when cutting sandstone, you want to be sure you use a diamond blade that is designed to cut hard stone. Using a
blade for cutting hard natural stone like sandstone will yield the best results; especially if you are creating a coutnertop surface for a main room in a home.
Sandstone Care & Maintenance
Sandsotne is a natural stone. And natural stone surfaces require some fundamental care and maintenance if they are going to maintain their natural beauty. Therefore, we recommend the following three phase care and maintenance routine for natural sandstone surfaces and particularly for sandstone countertops.
- Adding an impregnating sealer periodically to the surface of the sandstone surface to slow the absorption rate of the stone.
- Using a natural stone cleaner that is formulated for cleaning stone that has been elaed using an impregnating sealer.
- Stian removal using the appropriate stain remover product.
Following the three phase care and maintenance routine above will keep sandstone looking its best. Each of those parts contributes to an overall nice care routine for natural sandstone.
So there is the information about sandstone. it is a very common natural stone material. As we discussed, it is porous and it is pretty hard. Using it for panels, flooring, and countertop surfaces is the normal application for this material inside the home. However, to keep it looking its best, a good maintenance routine is recommended.
