This is the location of some of the oldest stone quarries in the area, though finding the history of the working of the area is quite difficult.
Sandstone such as at this location is made when sediment is laid down with a consistent water flow. Sandstone (sometimes known as arenite) is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. Most sandstone is composed quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust and the rock feels rough. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are brown, yellow, and red. Since sandstone beds often form highly visible cliffs and other topographic features, certain colours of sandstone have been strongly identified with certain regions. Rock formations that are primarily composed of sandstone usually allow percolation of water and other fluids and are porous enough to store large quantities, making them valuable aquifers and petroleum reservoirs.
Yellow Sandstone
This is a highly silica rich stone and is fine grained. Portland stone falls into this category and this type of stone is a popular building material since it is easily carved and holds its shape over long periods of time. Yellow Sandstone has been used for domestic construction and housewares since prehistoric times, and continues to be used. This type of stone holds water well since it is medium grained and is a good water filter.
Grey Sandstone
Often called mudstone, grey sandstone is a very fine grained stone and is common in this area and further north where ancient alluvial deposit formed slowly on deltas of rivers. This type of stone is usually smooth and has no defined lines in its composition. Also mudstone is an excellent aquifer since it hold water pockets and will break and crack when frozen.
Red Sandstone
Red is the rough side of the family of stones. It is made up of large grains and is a poor building stone since it usually has very obvious lines where different layers have been deposited and tends to split easily along these fissures. Red sandstone is a moderate aquifer since its rough grain drains quickly. This type of stone dries quite quickly and would only crack is frozen when wet.
At this location you will notice that the layers of stone are quite thick, identified by up to 1m of constant colour. However there is also a breaking up of the layers vertically, making this face of rock look like a stone wall which has been constructed, but it’s not, this is a natural formation and is formed by water, there is enough information above for you to work out the details.
What I can say is that fine-grained aquifers, such as sandstones, are more apt to hold water from the surface in cracks and crevices. This water holding property leads to these vertical cracks, but why?
Questions
1.Describe the face of the rock, tell me how it feels and looks.
2.What type of sandstone is at this site?
3.Why does this rock face have vertical and horizontal cracks making it look like the wall of a house?
4.How tall is the rock face at the location given?
If you feel willing and able please post a photo of the location, I don’t mind if the rock face makes up part of your photo.
You are welcome to log your find and message me with your answers at the same time
Please take care at the location and around since it has many dangers.