Sandstone Chemical Properties

The compositon of sandstone is quite similar to that of sand, that essentially consists of quartz. The natural cementing material which binds the sand together as rock is usually composed of silica, calcium carbonate, or iron oxide. The percentage constitution of each constituent varies between certain limit, which is as follows:

 

SiO2 ---------------------------------- 93-94%
Alumina(Al2O3) ------------------- 1.4 to 1.5%
Iron(Fe2O3) ------------------------ 1.5%-1.6%
Lime(CaO) -------------------------- 0.8% to 0.9%
Soda(Na2O) & Potash (Kro) -- 1.0% to 1.2%
Loss On Ignition(LOI) ----------- 1.0% to 1.2%
Magnesia(MgO) --------------------0.2 to 0.25%

 

They are highly resistant to acids, alkalis and thermal impact and their insolubility in acids and alkalis is about 97%