sandstone

American  

[sand-stohn] / ˈsændˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a common sedimentary rock consisting of sand, usually quartz, cemented together by various substances, as silica, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, or clay.

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sandstone British  

/ ˈsændˌstəʊn /

noun

1. any of a group of common sedimentary rocks consisting of sand grains consolidated with such materials as quartz, haematite, and clay minerals: used widely in building

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sandstone Scientific  

/ sănd′stōn′ /

1. A medium-grained sedimentary rock consisting of fine to coarse sand-sized grains that have been either compacted or cemented together by a material such as silica, iron oxide, or calcium carbonate. Although sandstone usually consists primarily of quartz, it can also consist of other minerals, and it can vary in color from yellow or red to gray or brown.

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sandstone Cultural  

1. A sedimentary rock formed of sand-sized grains that have been either compacted or cemented together. Although sandstone usually consists primarily of quartz, it can also consist of other minerals.

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Etymology

Origin of sandstone

First recorded in 1660–70; sand + stone

Example Sentences

Not far from the education center is a short hike to Painted Rock, a protected site that includes Native pictographs on a horseshoe-shaped sandstone formation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The majestic sandstone villa on Madison Avenue that the company shared with the Archdiocese of New York, and the quaint house in its logo, conveyed a sense of noncorporate charm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Preservation becomes even more difficult in sandstone, a rock made of coarse grains that allow water to pass through easily and typically forms in turbulent environments shaped by waves and storms.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

Swedish golfer Simon Forsstrom, pausing on the 14th tee to admire a red sandstone tomb behind him -- a miniature echo of the Taj Mahal -- was equally impressed.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Margaret did think the house very fine, but what she admired most was the architect who seemed so at ease among the cairns of sandstone and timber.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson