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Not particularly. One notable characteristic of sandstone is that it is 'friable'. This means that is is crumbly. This mainly applies to Orthoquartzite (a 'posh' word for common sandstone), but as there are many other types, it is impossible to take all into account. Something like an Arkose or a Greywacke (yes, that is a real word!) is a little harder, but all sandstones consist of relatively weak cements, but very hard clasts (grains). Orthoquartzite, for example, consists entirely of Quartz, which is a very hard mineral, and indeed all sandstones contain a high proportion of quartz fragments.
Overall, though, the stone itself is not hard, as a single grain removed from the rock is not the actual rock itself (when you walk on a beach, you are not walking on Orthoquartzite). This is only relative to other rocks.
All rock, however, is relatively hard. Since all rock is brittle, this makes it good for building with, and so sandstone is used for building. At high pressure, however, it crumbles and cracks easily, so a sandstone structure cannot be too tall.
From a geologist's perspective, it is weak, from a general perspective, it is useful for building (it is easy to acquire and use).
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt depends on your definition of hardness, and more specifically, what sample of sandstone or limestone is being compared. Some sandstones will crumble with a mere squeeze of the hand, while some limestones are incredibly resistant to a hammer blow.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe hardness of sandstone on Mohs hardness scale is 5.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoThe hardness of sandstone is dependent on the mineral which acts as the cement holding the sand particles together.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agosome rocks might be harder than others is because they might weigh differently and that makes all rocks softer or harder.
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Why is coastal erosion more rapid in some areas than others?
The weaker rocks are eroded more quickly, forming bays, while the harder rocks form headlands. Softer rocks can be eroded at rates of over 2 metres a year, harder rocks can be eroded at rates as little as 0.001 metres a year. As headlands stick out into the sea, they are more easily attacked by wind and waves.
Why are some rocks more permeable than others?
Some rocks are softer and more sedimentary than others. This allows water to weather them faster, thus causing higher permeability.
Why do some rocks crumble and others not?
because it feels like
Which rock would be harder to break with a hammer a sedimentary rock or an igneous rock?
You would normally think that an igneous rock would be harder to break. However, it completely depends on which igneous rock is being compared to which sedimentary rock, as their resistance to breakage is so varied. There are some igneous rocks (obsidian and pumice, for example) that would break much easier than some sedimentary rocks, such as chert or flint.
Do all rocks weather the same way?
Erosion rates depend on the composition of the rocks and how they are attacked by the environment.Different kinds of rocks have different composition and will erode at different rates.Rocks in different places will be affected differently by wind, water, ice, rain, pollutants, etc. and so they will erode at different rates.
Why do different rocks weather at different rates?
Depending on the minerals in their composition, some rocks are harder than others. Rocks that contain minerals with higher ratings on the Mohs scale are harder, and would erode more slowly than other rocks.
Why do rocks erode at different rates?
Some rocks are harder than others like sandstone which is very soft. Other times rock can have different conditions under which they will erode faster such as limestone.
Why are some water samples harder than others?
The rocks in the area may be different, the may be limestone which is calcuim which causes water to become hard
Are some rocks harder than other rocks?
Absolutely, based on the hardness of the minerals that compose them.
Are depressants bad for you?
Yup! They can harm your body badly! Some people get it harder than others! Some people might not get depressed at all!
It is hard to graduated from college?
For some people it takes longer, and it might be a little harder, but everyone struggles with some subjects harder than others. Some classes will be harder than others, but to answer your question in my opinion for me it wasn't hard, but for some it is a little hard. It definitely takes patience and that's usually hard for everyone. It's fun though!
Why is coastal erosion more rapid in some areas than others?
The weaker rocks are eroded more quickly, forming bays, while the harder rocks form headlands. Softer rocks can be eroded at rates of over 2 metres a year, harder rocks can be eroded at rates as little as 0.001 metres a year. As headlands stick out into the sea, they are more easily attacked by wind and waves.
Why are some sedimentary rocks hard and others are soft and tend to fall apart easily?
The harder ones are fairly newer, and the softer ones have been through more weathering.
Why are some rocks more permeable than others?
Some rocks are softer and more sedimentary than others. This allows water to weather them faster, thus causing higher permeability.
Why are some stains more difficult to remove with water than others?
the harder you play the harder it is to get out
Why does she ask you to finger her harder when your fingering her?
It's like a massage; some like it harder than others.
Why does rain fall harder in some spots then in others?
Rain will sometimes fall harder in some spots then in others. This means that the cloud above is more dense with water then the other clouds.
