What is sandstone? Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed when sand-sized particles of silicon dioxide accumulate and cemented together by some precipitating mineral, frequently with more silicon dioxide, calcite or iron oxide. The Crab Orchard sandstone found near Crossville is cemented with silica and is therefore particularly hard and durable.

When was it deposited? Tennessee's sandstone caps the Cumberland Plateau and was deposited during the Pennsylvania Period. Follow this link for an interesting site on analyzing sandstone.

How is it mined and used? Sandstone is primarily used as a building material. It is hard, and durable. It is primarily quarried in small operations where it is separated in sheets or blocks by driving wedges between the bedding planes.