Silicified quartz sandstone
Stobra [Southern edge of the Weißelsterbeckens]
verkieselter Sandstein
Location: Stobra [Southern edge of the Weißelsterbeckens]
Age: ca. 35 Millionen Jahre
Stobra
Silicified quartz sandstone is a sandstone formed by silicification of quartz sand. This particular sandstone is characterized by a high quartz sand content of over 90%, while the matrix content of clay minerals is a maximum of 15% [1External link]. Unlike other sandstones with a lower quartz content, silicified silica sandstone is often referred to as "orthoquartzite" [2External link]. The term "siliceous sandstone" or "putty quartzite" is occasionally used to refer to a sandstone with a siliceous grain bond [1External link].
Silicified silica sandstone is formed by the cementation of sand and small debris particles, possibly together with clay or silt particles, to form a solid rock. This silicification occurs during a cementation process in which silica penetrates the porous sandstone and solidifies the rock. Silicified quartz sandstone is formed primarily in shelf areas that resemble coastal shallow seas. There, the sand is transported and deposited by rivers, wind, and ocean currents [3External link].
One of the remarkable aspects of silicified quartz sandstone is its hardness and strength. Due to its high quartz content, this sandstone has excellent mechanical properties and is highly resistant to weathering and abrasion. Therefore, silicified quartz sandstone is often used as a building material in the construction industry. It is used as facade cladding, flooring, stair treads, paving stones and in other architectural applications [3External link].
Silicified quartz sandstone has a characteristic texture and color. The sandstone surface can have a coarse-grained to fine-grained texture, depending on the grain size of the silica sand and the degree of silicification. The color palette ranges from light tones such as beige, cream and white to warm earth tones such as brown and red. These natural colors give silicified quartz sandstone an aesthetic beauty and make it a popular choice in architecture and landscaping [3External link].
Maintenance of silicified quartz sandstone requires regular cleaning and occasional sealing to maintain its natural beauty and durability. Proper cleaning methods and the use of appropriate cleaning products can remove contaminants, stains and debris without damaging the stone [3External link].
Location of silicified quartz sandstone near the village of Stobra