<p>On the field, I find it very difficult to differentiate the two types of rocks just by looking at them.I know that you should do some analysis of the sample before any conclusions. But, for example in structural geology, I have to draw a geologic cross section and differentiate sedimentary layers.</p>

<p>By looking at pictures I find it very hard to tell whether the rock is limestone or sandstone.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-04-22T03:56:19.177Z
Have you actually handled, seen & felt examples of sandstone & limestone? Because if you have the differences are obvious. I get the impression you haven't & that you are trying to determine the difference between the two from looking at pictures A from reading.
Fred
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-04-22T13:01:45.610Z
I don't really agree that it's always so obvious (eg. Dunham mudstone vs  siliciclastic claystone can be rather tricky sometimes), but an acid test would never fail. It's hard to put words on how limestone feels compared to siliciclastic rocks. It usually weathers differently. Remember, "Carbonates are born not made" and try to imagine how they are formed, that would be my best advice.
user2821
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-04-25T18:02:18.297Z
I've seen acid tests fail in the British Lower Palaezoic of NW England. Basically the groundwater was at some point very carbonate rich (probably from Carboniferous Limestones that have since eroded) and these impregnated all the mudstones/slates/sandstones with carbonates.
winwaed
<geology><sedimentology><petrology><structural-geology><cartography>
What are the differences in terms of appearance between sandstone and limestone?
Andres Romero
# What are the differences in terms of appearance between sandstone and limestone?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-04-22)

On the field, I find it very difficult to differentiate the two types of rocks just by looking at them.I know that you should do some analysis of the sample before any conclusions. But, for example in structural geology, I have to draw a geologic cross section and differentiate sedimentary layers.

By looking at pictures I find it very hard to tell whether the rock is limestone or sandstone.

**Tags:** geology, sedimentology, petrology, structural-geology, cartography

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Have you actually handled, seen & felt examples of sandstone & limestone? Because if you have the differences are obvious. I get the impression you haven't & that you are trying to determine the difference between the two from looking at pictures A from reading.  
> **username_2**: I don't really agree that it's always so obvious (eg. Dunham mudstone vs  siliciclastic claystone can be rather tricky sometimes), but an acid test would never fail. It's hard to put words on how limestone feels compared to siliciclastic rocks. It usually weathers differently. Remember, "Carbonates are born not made" and try to imagine how they are formed, that would be my best advice.  
> **username_3**: I've seen acid tests fail in the British Lower Palaezoic of NW England. Basically the groundwater was at some point very carbonate rich (probably from Carboniferous Limestones that have since eroded) and these impregnated all the mudstones/slates/sandstones with carbonates.  

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## 0 answers

