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A brittle material is one that fails by fracturing after only a very small amount of plastic strain has occurred. Sandstones tend to be made up of quartz and feldspars which are themselves brittle.

However sandstone and many other materials are only thought of as brittle because we are used to dealing or working with them at the pressure and temperature conditions present at the Earth's surface and can actually be either brittle or ductile (significant plastic deformation can occur before ultimate rupture) depending on the temperature, confining pressure and strain rate applied to it.

In general at low confining pressures and temperatures (i.e. near the Earth's surface), sandstone will fail in a brittle fashion. However as the temperature and or confining pressure increases it becomes increasingly ductile.

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Why is sandstone used for paving slabs?

Sandstone is used for paving slabs because it is cheap and easy to replace. It is also very popular because it is really easy to cut


What type of rock did they use to build Petra?

The buildings in Petra were carved into the red sandstone cliffs of the region. This sandstone is known as the "Nabatean sandstone" and it was easy to carve and shape, making it ideal for the construction of Petra's buildings.


Is siltstone hard?

Sandstone is pretty tough! Sandstone is in between hard and pretty hard. If sandstone is made to build buildings, towers, bridges, and arcs and they have stayed up and have never fallen then there pretty strong!


How is sandstone extracted from the ground?

Sandstone is extracted from the ground by first determining the location of sandstone deposits through geological surveys. Once the deposit is identified, heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers are used to remove the overlying soil and rock layers to access the sandstone. The sandstone is then cut into blocks or slabs using saws or drills for further processing and use in construction.


Is igneous light and easy to break?

Igneous rocks can vary in hardness and durability, depending on their mineral composition and texture. While some types, like pumice, are lightweight and relatively easy to break, others, such as granite, are much harder and more resistant to breaking. Overall, the characteristics of igneous rocks range widely, so generalizing that they are all light and easy to break would not be accurate.

Related Questions

Why is sandstone used for paving slabs?

Sandstone is used for paving slabs because it is cheap and easy to replace. It is also very popular because it is really easy to cut


Why is sandstone used as paving slabs?

Sandstone is used for paving slabs as it is cheap and easy to replace. It is also popular because it is really easy to cut. Hope I helped! :)


Are the beats by drdre easy to break?

Absolutely yes, there're too easy to break I would say. PS: I have a pair of them, trash.


What type of rock did they use to build Petra?

The buildings in Petra were carved into the red sandstone cliffs of the region. This sandstone is known as the "Nabatean sandstone" and it was easy to carve and shape, making it ideal for the construction of Petra's buildings.


What is a gladding sandstone?

There is no term 'gladding' sandstone. There is a 'cladding' sandstone that is used to line commercial buildings. This is a type of rock that is lightweight and easy to install. It is often used on exterior finishes or even as siding.


Is siltstone hard?

Sandstone is pretty tough! Sandstone is in between hard and pretty hard. If sandstone is made to build buildings, towers, bridges, and arcs and they have stayed up and have never fallen then there pretty strong!


Is it easy to break into a Peugeot 107?

as with any car the weakest point is the windows so i would say yes but every car is easy to break in to


Is it easy to break an iPodtouch?

No. It's possible to break an iPodtouch but really difficult to break it. It is not really easy to break an iPodtouch.


Why did they choose sandstone for the White House?

no.the white house is made out of lime stone. i think. Wrong, the outside of the White House is made of Virginian Aquia Creek sandstone. Parts of the interior are made of Maryland Marble.


Why is table easy to break?

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Is it easy to break someones neck?

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How is sandstone extracted from the ground?

Sandstone is extracted from the ground by first determining the location of sandstone deposits through geological surveys. Once the deposit is identified, heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers are used to remove the overlying soil and rock layers to access the sandstone. The sandstone is then cut into blocks or slabs using saws or drills for further processing and use in construction.