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

The objects, to form part of the collection at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, include "monumental sandstone sculptures, refined bronze works, and significant ritual objects", said a culture ministry statement.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 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

Their unusual preservation has drawn intense interest from scientists, who want to understand how such fragile life forms were recorded so clearly in sandstone.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

They went to the Valley of Fire State Park, which features fantastical sandstone formations the same color as the museum’s renderings.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

This from a guy who spends his days carving fossils out of sandstone using a chisel and a paintbrush.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman