Properties of Gray Sandstone

Appearance

• Most gray sandstone has a uniform, homogeneous appearance. The shade of the color is determined by the cementing materials that hold the grains together, and therefore will vary according to its source. It is noted as having a "natural" look, blending in well with other decors due to its subtly. It's a quartz-based stone, and as a result its texture varies according to its lithology. It can also be carved or polished.

Durability

• Gray sandstone, like other forms of sandstone, is extremely durable. Most gray sandstone scores between 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, with a density of 2.32 to 2.42 kg/m3. This makes it a popular choice for paving stones and other outdoor building applications. It can handle extreme wear and tear without deteriorating. It is also notably chemical resistant, standing up well to weather and other sources of erosion.

Workable

• Gray sandstone is considered a workable stone choice, meaning that various types of effects and textures can be created with man-made processes. Natural sandstone has clefts and grains showing from where it was ripped along its cleavage lines. It can also be polished to create a shine that accentuates its grains. A gang saw can be used to create a semipolished surface that is more course, or the stone can be flame-textured by bursting the crystals when the stone is heated.

Variability

• Sandstone, including gray sandstone, tends to vary more in its properties than other major types used in architecture and landscape. This is because sandstone is a relatively young stone, and the youngest of all quartz-based stones. It doesn't take sandstone as long to form as many other kinds of stone. As a result, it experiences different levels of compression, according to its source. When purchasing gray sandstone, however, the seller with be aware of all of the physical and chemical properties specific to that gray sandstone.