Limestone vs. Sandstone — What's the Difference?

Limestone is a common type of carbonate sedimentary rock. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized (0.0625 to 2 mm) silicate grains. Sandstones comprise about 20–25% of all sedimentary rocks.Most sandstone is composed of quartz or feldspar (both silicates) because they are the most resistant minerals to weathering processes at the Earth's surface, as seen in the Goldich dissolution series.

A common sedimentary rock consisting mostly of calcium carbonate, CaCO3, used as a building stone and in the manufacture of lime, carbon dioxide, and cement.

A sedimentary rock formed by the consolidation and compaction of sand and held together by a natural cement, such as silica.

An abundant rock of marine and fresh-water sediments; primarily composed of calcite (CaCO₃); it occurs in a variety of forms, both crystalline and amorphous.

A sedimentary rock produced by the consolidation and compaction of sand, cemented with clay etc.

Pertaining to or made of limestone.

A rock made of sand more or less firmly united. Common or siliceous sandstone consists mainly of quartz sand.

A rock consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate or carbonate of lime. It sometimes contains also magnesium carbonate, and is then called magnesian or dolomitic limestone. Crystalline limestone is called marble.

A sedimentary rock consisting of sand consolidated with some cement (clay or quartz etc.)

A sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium that was deposited by the remains of marine animals