Have you ever wondered where your beautiful sandstone patio or bathroom came from? It is such a versatile and aesthetically pleasing stone, with many varieties and colours, but how much do you know about its origins? Sandstone can be found in deposits across the world, from the United States of America to Europe.
In the USA, there are four main sandstone deposits that can be found in Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York. Aquia Creek Sandstone, found in Stafford County Virginia, has been used in many of Washington’s prominent government buildings, including the White House.
There are at least 8 varieties of sandstone to be found in South Africa, but many of the quarries in this country have since closed down.
Europe is home to most of the sandstone deposits of the world, with countries such as Switzerland, Germany and France holding the bulk of them. Germany, in fact, lays claim on having the most deposits in the entire world with around 64 varieties of the stone all being found in different areas.
If you live in Australia, however, it is likely that the beautiful sandstone in your home has come from right on your doorstep. In New South Wales, there is a deposit known as Sydney Basin Hawkesbury Sandstone, named after the river where this stone is particularly common. It dates back to the Triassic period and has been used in many of Sydney’s constructions, from places of worship to public buildings, as well as in other cities across Australia.
Regardless of what part of the world your sandstone has been sourced from, it is highly useful and highly attractive stone that has been around for centuries. Next time you are using sandstone in your home, ask your supplier exactly where it has been quarried – you might just be surprised.