Lect. Four. Sed.Rx.

(11-12)

Classification of Sandstones
Descriptive classification of sandstones is based fundamentally on framework mineralogy, although the relative abundance of matrix plays a role in some classifications. Mineralogy is the principal basis for classifying sandstones, so it is necessary to finding a perfect classification, which is suitable for all types of sandstones and acceptable to most geologists. In fact, more than fifty different classifications for sandstones have been proposed, but none has received widespread acceptance. Classifications that are wide-ranging (all-inclusive) tend to be too complicated (complex) and unwieldy for general use, and classifications that are oversimplified may convey (suggest) too little useful information.

Basis of Classification Sandstones may be further classified on the basis of the composition of the grains and the proportion of the fine-grained material (matrix, which is dominantly clay size sediment ), as determined by examination of specimens in thin section. Most sandstone is made up of mixtures of a very small number of dominant framework components. The major components of most sandstone are: Quartz (including chert and polycrystalline quartz) , feldspar and rock fragments, which are the only framework constituents that are commonly abundant enough to be important in sandstone classification. In addition to framework grains, matrix may be present in interstitial space among these grains. Most authors of sandstone's classification use a classification scheme that involves a QFR or QFL plot. These poles are triangular diagrams on which quartz (Q), feldspars (F), and rock fragments (R or L) are plotted as end members at the poles of the classification triangle. Several schemes for classifying sandstones have been proposed (Figure 1), based on the relative proportions of the major components listed above.
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Figure (2) show a classification proposed by Dott (1964), and then modified by Pettijohn (1974), defining the compositional limits of each subclass of sandstone. Note that in this classification Dott defines matrix as all particles finer than 0.03 mm; within the range of clay-size particles. This classification limits the term " arenite" to rocks with less than 15% matrix while a rock with between 15% and 75% matrix is termed a "greywacke". All sedimentary rocks with more than 75% matrix are termed "mudstones" in this scheme. The arenites and graywackes are further subdivided on the basis of the relative proportions of their major

constituents (excluding matrix) by plotting their relative proportions on a ternary diagram see Figure 2. According to figure (2) a quartz arenite contains no less than 90% quartz grains and a subarkose contains between 5 and 25% feldspars, less than 25% rock fragments (but the proportion of feldspars always exceeds the proportion of rock fragments) and between 50 and 95% quartz. Note that clastic sediment may contain detrital grains made up of chemical sedimentary rocks. Particles derived from chemical sediment are generally relatively unstable (with obvious exceptions like chert) and do not survive transport to a distant site of deposition. The lithicarenites may be further classified on the basis of the relative proportion of the types of rock fragments (e.g., proportions of sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous rock fragments). The rock names given in figure (2) may also be modified to refer to the type of cement; e.g., a calcareous quartz arenite would have calcium carbonate cement.

EaES 350-3

Figure (2), classification of sandstone after Dott 1964 and then modified by Pettijohn, 1974.
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Sandstone Classification
Naming of Sandstones is based on: 1- Percent of common sand-sized grain types Quartz (+chert) Feldspars (both kinds) Unstable lithic fragments (rock fragments) 2- Percent of mud

To classify sandstones using Dotts scheme the first step is to determine composition of the rock.
Point counting is a method whereby a thin section on a petrographic microscope is examined by stepping across the thin section at equal intervals and identifying the material (quartz, feldspars, rock fragments or matrix) that lies immediately beneath the cross hairs. Counting 250 to 300 grains will accurately yield the proportion of each component.

Example Point Count Data: Component Quartz Feldspar Rock fragments Matrix Total: Number of Proportion Grains counted (%) 73 56 34 118 281 26 20 12 42 100

A first order classification is based on the proportion of matrix that is present: % matrix < 15 15 - 75 >75 Rock Name Arenite Wacke or Graywacke Mudstone

To classify Arenites and Graywackes on the basis of their specific compositions the data must be normalized to 100% quartz, feldspars and rock fragments.

A. Total Rock Component Quartz Feldspar Rock fragments Matrix Total: Proportion (%) 26 20 12 42 a graywacke 100

A. Quartz, feldspars and rock fragments. Component Quartz Feldspar Rock fragments Total:
1Calculated

Proportion1 (%) 45 34 21 100

Total Q, F, and Rf: 58

as the proportion of each component in the total rock divided by the total proportion of quartz, feldspars and rock fragments (in this case that total is 58).

The next step is to plot the normalized data on a ternary diagram to determine the specific field in which the data fall.

The next step is to plot the normalized data on a ternary diagram to determine the specific field in which the data fall.

If the proportion of matrix is less than 15% plot the data and use Dotts diagram for the classification of arenites.

If the proportion of matrix is less than 15% plot the data and use Dotts diagram for the classification of arenites.

If the proportion of matrix is less than 15% plot the data and use Dotts diagram for the classification of arenites.

If the proportion of matrix is less than 15% plot the data and use Dotts diagram for the classification of arenites.

This classification is based on the major component of most sandstone and provides a basis for a consistent nomenclature for sandstones. The names can be modified to reflect other components of the rock: e.g., Calcareous quartz arenite: a quartz arenite with calcite cement. Specific types of rock fragments may also be important in determining the history of the sediment. Fragments of limestone or dolomite are simply classed as rock fragments using Dotts scheme. Such grains break down rapidly with transport so that their presence suggests that the sediment was deposited very close to the area that it was produced.