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BULLETIN OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

VOL. 71. PP. 1011-1026. 4 FIGS. JULY 1960

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

BY G. V. MIDDLETON

ABSTRACT
The author has collected 168 chemical analyses from the literature. All analyses with
less than 5 per cent A12O3 ("quartzite" clan) were removed. The remaining analyses were
divided on a tectonic basis into three clans; taphrogeosynclinal, eugeosynclinal, and others
(mainly exogeosynclinal). Histograms for the seven major oxides and variation diagrams
for K2O/Na2O and alkalies/AUOs indicate that the tectonic associations group together
clans of chemical analyses which differ significantly from each other. The eugeosynclinal
graywackes especially differ from other sandstones by their low K2O/Na2O ratio, which
is correlated with the presence of basic volcanic detritus. Arithmetic and geometric means
for the seven major oxides for the four clans are as follows (given to two significant
figures):

Taphrogeosynclinal Eugeosynclinal Exogeosynclinal "Quartzites"


Average
Arith.
Geom. Arith. Geom . Arith. Geom. Aiith. Geom. Arith.

SiO2 83 80 71 69 79 73 93 87 78
A120, 11 10 14 13 12 11 3.3 3.1 8.7
Fe203 2.0 2.5 4.9 5.4 3.6 4.2 1.5 3.8 4.1
(total iron)
MgO 0.24 0.53 2.2 2.5 1.2 1.8 0.34 0.69 1.4
CaO 0.89 2.8 2.7 4.4 2.4 6.9 0.37 3.8 4.6
Na2O 0.72 1.3 3.1 3.2 0.83 1.1 0.31 0.48 1.4
K2O 2.9 3.2 1.8 2.0 1.5 1.9 0.82 1.3 1.9

CONTENTS
TEXT Page
Page
2. Alkalies-alumina variation diagrams 1019
3. KsO-NajO variation diagrams 1020
Introduction 1011 4. Histograms for eight major oxides in the
Chemical characteristics of the main sand- four sandstone clans 1022
stone clans 1015
The average sandstone 1020
Appendix: list of analyses 1021 TABLES
References cited 1025
Table Page
1. Average compositions of sandstone clans. 1015
ILLUSTRATIONS 2. Average compositions of sandstones from
Figure Page the literature 1016
1. Alkalies-alumina histograms 1014 3. Composition of the average sandstone. . . 1017

INTRODUCTION significantly from clan to clan, and the reason


The author has collected 168 analyses of for these differences is discussed.
sandstones from the literature. The analyses The author wishes to express his thanks to
are grouped into four sandstone clans; the R. E. Jones and D. M. Shaw for criticism and
basis of the classification is primarily structural discussion of this paper. This paper contains
rather than petrographical or geochemical. results of work preliminary to a project on the
The average chemical composition differs petrography and geochemistry of graywackes
1011

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1012 G. V. MIDDLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

which is being supported by grants from the of Torridonian and Moinian sediments argued
Geological Survey of Canada. that the chemical differences between these
SELECTION or ANALYSES : Most of the analyses two groups result from sedimentary differentia-
come from Europe (especially Great Britain, tion within a single sedimentary group. He
France, and Switzerland) and America. In showed that the increase in silica and decreases
order to avoid undue bias, the author did not in alumina and in K2O/Na2O ratio in the
include analyses of Pleistocene and Recent Moines as compared with Torridonian are
sediments in this study. Glacial deposits are similar to chemical variation observed by Barth
rare in the geological column, and yet many (1938) within the Sparagmite group of South-
analyses of Pleistocene glacial sediments are ern Norway and ascribes the variation to a
available. Many recent sediments must be progressive increase in the "residual" compo-
greatly influenced by being reworked from nent of the sedimentary rocks as the distance
glacial deposits and are therefore also excluded. from the source area increases.
No composite analyses or averages were Apart from brief discussions by authors of
used. Except for the sandstone dikes of Shasta the general role played by sandstones in the
County, California, which are not normal sedi- geochemical cycle and a few studies of minor
ments, all analyses which gave values for al- elements in sandstones (e.g., Murray and
kalies and alumina have been accepted. Since Adams, 1958), little attention has been paid
many analyses of building stones do not give to the chemical composition of sandstones.
values for alkalies, they have been rejected. GROUPING OF ANALYSES: A number of prob-
This means that the analyses used are not very lems beset any geochemical study of sandstones.
strongly biased toward those sandstones which The chemical characteristics of sandstones
are economically valuable. The analyses used depend upon (1) the geological processes acting
probably include too many unusual varieties, before and during deposition, and (2) diage-
especially those with cements of unusual netic processes acting after the deposition of the
types. These analyses were not excluded, how- sand. The latter include compaction, cementa-
ever, because the main part of the sandstone tion, and removal of minerals by intrastratal
is probably not unusual. Unusual cement will solution. The diagenetic factors are subject to
not greatly affect the averages provided they erratic variation, so that it is generally agreed
are calculated on a geometric rather than on that sandstones should be classified primarily
an arithmetic basis. on the basis of characteristics which reveal
Some of the older analyses are probably not the provenance or transportational and dep-
accurate. In some cases inaccurate analysis is ositional history of the rock.
rather strongly suggested (e.g., analysis 147 For this study, however, it was decided not
has total alkalies in excess of alumina), but to group the sandstones according to their
since it is difficult to determine without in- petrographic or geochemical characteristics,
troducing personal bias which of the older nor according to the local nature of the ancient
analyses are not reliable, no analysis has been environment in which they were deposited,
rejected because of suspected inaccuracy. but according to the broader tectonic setting
Eight major oxides were studied, and their of the basin in which they were deposited.
distribution is shown in histograms (Fig. 4). The primary basis of grouping is therefore
Neither COj nor combined water were consid- structural.
ered because relatively few analyses give accur- Such a grouping of sandstones corresponds
ate determinations: many analyses merely re- closely to Krynine's classification. However,
cord "loss on ignition". The sources of the instead of Krynine's three groups of detrital
analyses are given in the Appendix. rocks (Krynine, 1948, p. 136), four clans are
PREVIOUS WORK: Earlier studies of the geo- recognized. This follows Krynine's most recent
chemistry of sandstones include averages remarks upon the classification of sandstones
calculated by Clarke (1924), Tyrrell (1933), (Krynine, 1956). Krynine's classification of
and Pettijohn (1957). Mackie (1900) in his sediments is primarily tectonic, yet, as he
chemical and petrographic study of Torri- remarks (1942, p. 542), ". . . the fundamental
donian, Devonian, and Permo-Triassic sand- difference between various regional diastrophic
stones in the Elgin area, Scotland, remarked types is mineralogical and hence to a large
upon the preferential removal of lime, mag- extent chemical." This being the case, the dif-
nesia, and soda during weathering and the ferent tectonic associations should include
consequently high K2O/Na2O ratio in sand- groups of sediments which show distinct chem-
stones. Kennedy (1951) in a comparative study ical variation series, although transitional

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INTRODUCTION 1013

types may be expected and certain chemical The incorrect grouping of a few sandstone
types may be common to two or more tectonic analyses, which may have resulted from the
associations. present author's ignorance of the correct
The writer attempted a grouping based on tectonic setting or as a result of the conse-
tectonics (1) because a large number of the quences of forcing sandstones into a somewhat
analyses are not accompanied by a satisfactory inflexible grouping, will not, however, seriously
petrographic description of the rock, so that a affect the generalizations made. A far more
petrographic classification would be impossible; serious criticism, in the author's opinion,
and (2) because he wished to test the hypothe- would be the inadequacy of the sample which
sis that a tectonic classification would group was available.
together clans of analyses which differed sig- The following paragraphs show how the
nificantly. analyses have been grouped. Numbers refer to
All sandstones with Al2Os <5 per cent were entries in the Appendix. Query marks indicate
first separated into a clan called "quartzites". that insufficient information is available to
This was done largely for convenience and determine the tectonic setting with certainty.
because ratio diagrams, such as Al2O3/alkali
diagrams, would be needlessly complicated by QUARTZITES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19, 25, 26, 42, 47,
53, 54, 56, 59, 63, 66, 69, 71, 72, 73, 78, 79, 92, 93,
the inclusion of analyses of sandstones which 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 128, 130, 131, 138, 139, 140, 141,
contained very little besides quartz and a 147, 148, 152, 155, 156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163,
cement. 164, 165, 166, 167, 168
The remaining sandstones were then dis- TAPHROGEOSYNCLINAL: 18, ? 21, ? 23, 24, 38, 49,
tributed into clans according to the following 60, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 136, 137,
tectonic classification:1 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 149, 150, 151, 153, 154, ?
(1) taphrogeosynclinal or postorogenic gra- 157
ben sandstones EUGEOSYNCLINAL: 11, 12, ? 22, ? 40, ? 43, 44,45, ?
(2) eugeosynclinal including also epieugeo- 50, ? 57, ? 61, 64, 67, 68, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, ? 85, ?
synclinal sandstones 86, ? 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 100, 101, 102, 103, 112, 113,
114, 115, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, ? 134, ? 135
(3) exogeosynclinal and other sandstones. EXOGEOSYNCLINAL: 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, ? 17, ?
The exogeosynclinal group is the least well 20, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, ? 39, ?
defined and probably includes some sandstones 41, ? 46, ? 48, ? 51, ? 52, ? 55, 58, ? 62, ? 65, 70, 74,
from miogeosynclines and autogeosynclines. 75, 76, 77, ? 99, 116, 117, 118, 119, ? 126, ? 127, ?
Probably some of the sandstones here grouped j29, ? 132, ? 133
as quartzites properly belong tectonically to
one of the other three groups. FACTORS INFLUENCING CHEMICAL COMPOSI-
It is not suggested that rocks of any par- TION: The common cementing agents are car-
ticular composition, mineralogical or chemical, bonates and silica. Hence the abundances of
are restricted to a particular tectonic setting. SiOj, CaO, and MgO are practically valueless
Nevertheless, it is suggested that the evidence for any indication of the prediagenetic history
presented in this paper confirms Krynine's of the rock. It may be, however, that certain
statement quoted heretofore. Most of the types of sandstones more commonly have
analyses grouped as "quartzites" were de- certain types of cements than other types.
scribed as such in the literature and came from Another factor is introduced by the presence
stable shelf, miogeosynclinal, autogeosynclinal, or absence of cement. The original porosity of
or exogeosynclinal sites: most of those grouped sandstones is about 20-30 per cent, and con-
as eugeosynclinal were described as graywackes sequently the percentage weight of any oxide
(or high-rank graywackes); most of those other than one contained in the cement will
grouped as taphrogeosynclinal were described be reduced by about 25 per cent if a cement is
as arkoses or feldspathic sandstones; and most introduced before compaction. Hence little
of those grouped as exogeosynclinal were de- importance can be ascribed to the weight per
scribed as sandstones or low-rank graywackes. cent of any oxides, as quoted in the chemical
analysis, without correcting for the introduc-
tion of cement. Such a correction is very dif-
1
Most geologists will recognize the grouping that ficult to make. Even in the case of a carbonate
the author is attempting to achieve, which cor- cement, it is not known whether some of the
responds roughly to Krynine's groups or series carbonate may not have been present as rock
(1948) or clans (1956), to Pettijohn's consanguineous
associations or facies (1957), and to Dapples, or fossil fragments rather than as introduced
Krumbein, and Sloss' lithologic associations (1948). cement. The exact composition of the carbon-

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1014 G. V. MIDBLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

ate is also not known. In the case of silica a ments (the graywackes) as maintained by
correction is not possible without a detailed Krynine (1948), with relatively few transi-
petrographic investigation of the rock. tional types, then a histogram for the ratio
Hence it is clear that ratios between oxides
must be studied in preference to actual weight
per cent.
The contents of Fe2O3 and FeO in sandstones Taphrogeosynclinal sandstones
depend upon a number of factors. Iron may be
present in a sandstone (1) in allogenic (terrig-
enous) minerals such as iron oxides, sulfides
or carbonates, clay minerals, micas, and chlo-
rite; (2) in rock fragments—these are mainly
of two types, (a) sedimentary, including shales
and siltstones and their low-grade metamorphic
•I -2 -3 4 -5 6 7 -8
derivatives, and (b) volcanic, especially basic
volcanic rocks; (3) in jasper (ferruginous Eugeosynclinal sandstones
chert); (4) in authigenic (orthochemical)
sulfides, carbonates, or hydrated oxides; and
(5) in glauconite. The presence of iron in a
sandstone is therefore controlled primarily
by its provenance but also by the chemical
conditions which prevailed in the basin of dep-
osition and in the sediment during diagenesis,
particularly during the early stages of diagene-
sis. A further factor is the intensity and dura- Exogeosynclinal and other sandstones
tion of weathering of the source materials prior
to deposition. In general, the more intense and
prolonged the weathering, the more iron will
pass into solution and therefore will not be de-
posited in a sandstone.
Alumina and alkalies occur in sandstones in:
clay minerals; micas; feldspars; glauconite;
argillaceous or micaceous rock fragments;
and volcanic rock fragments. Further considera- Combined
tion of the forms listed shows that both al-
kalies and alumina occur essentially in two
main groups of minerals: (1) clay minerals,
micas, and chlorites, and (2) feldspars. None
of these minerals are commonly quantitatively
important as authigenic minerals, although
traces of authigenic feldspar and mica are not
rare. Hence, if a chemical investigation of sand- FIGURE 1.—ALKALIES-ALUMINA HISTOGRAMS
stones is to be independent of diagenetic The histograms show the distribution of the
ratio alkalies/alumina for the taphrogeosynclinal,
factors, it may be based upon ratios between eugeosynclinal, and exogeosynclinal clans, and for
Alf) 3 and alkalies or between individual pairs the three clans combined. Note that the histogram
of oxides. for the combined clans shows a very broad maxi-
The clay mineral-mica group has a lower mum, suggesting bimodality. There is a clear distinc-
tion in modal ratios between the eugeosynclinal and
K+1 + Na+1/Al+3 ratio (atomic ratio about exogeosynclinal clans.
0.15-0.5:1) than the feldspar group (atomic
ratio about 0.5-1:1). If, therefore, there are alkalies/Al2O3 might show a bimodal dis-
two series of sandstones, one characterized by tribution (Fig. 1). In order to avoid confusion
high feldspar content and relatively low con- by quartz-rich sandstones, only those sand-
tent of clays and micas (the arkoses) and the stones containing more than 5.0 per cent Alf)a
other characterized by a relatively low con- were selected. Glauconitic sandstones were
tent of feldspars and high content of clays, also excluded.
micas, chlorites, and argillaceous rock frag- The resulting histogram is inconclusive.

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INTRODUCTION 1015

It shows a slight bimodality which cannot be feldspar in addition to argillaceous material.


considered significant in view of the inadequate Most of the analyses included in this group are
sampling. The histograms for individual of rocks described as quartzites, protoquartz-
sandstone clans are also plotted. Comparison ites, and quartz sandstones.

TABLE 1.—AVERAGE COMPOSITIONS OF SANDSTONE CLANS


Averages for SiO» and AljOs are grouped arithmetic means; averages for other elements are grouped
geometric means. Numbers in parentheses are ungrouped arithmetic means.
Exogeosynclinal
Taphrogeosynclinal Eugeosynclinal and others "Quartzite"

SiO. 77.12 (77.10) 65.67 68.43 (83.11)


Al-Ai 9.85 12.73 10.23 (2.96)
Fe2O3 1.82 (2.40) 4.52 (5.09) 1 3.10 (3.89) 1.33 (3.64)
MgO 0.22 (0.51) 2.03 (2.40) 1.07 (1.71) 0.30 (0.66)
CaO 0.83 (2.68) 2.51 (4.20) 2.08 (6.40) 0.33 (3.62)
Na2O 0.67 (1.24) 2.86 (3.04) 0.72 (1.00) 0.28 (0.46)
K2O 2.68 (3.05) 1.65 (1.87) 1.31 (1.75) 0.73 (1.28)

TOTAL 93.19 (96.83) 91.97 (95.00) 86.94 (93.41) 89.04 (95.73)

Recalculated to 100
per cent
SiO2 82.75 (79.62) 71.40 (69.12) 78.71 (73.25) 93.34 (86.82)
A1203 10.57 (10.17) 13.84 (13.40) 11.77 (10.95) 3.32 (3.09)
Fe203 1.95 (2.48) 4.92 (5.36) 3.56 (4.16) 1.49 (3.80)
MgO 0.24 (0.53) 2.21 (2.53) 1.23 (1.83) 0.34 (0.69)
CaO 0.89 (2.77) 2.73 (4.42) 2.39 (6.85) 0.37 (3.78)
Na,0 0.72 (1.28) 3.11 (3.20) 0.83 (1.07) 0.31 (0.48)
KoO 2.88 (3.15) 1.79 (1.97) 1.51 (1.87) 0.82 (1.34)

TOTAL 100.00 (100.00) 100.00 (100.00) 100.00 (99.98) 99.99 (100.00)

of these shows that the lower maximum in the Some of the sandstones grouped in the
combined histogram is due mainly to the quartzite clan are found in miogeosynclines
abundance of exogeosynclinal sandstones, and other noncratonic settings. As a result of
whereas the higher maximum is a composite the arbitrary definition of quartzites the
of the eugeosynclinal and taphrogeosynclinal classification used here departs to some extent
sandstones. from a true tectonic classification.
Sandstones described as glauconitic were
CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS or THE also included in the quartzite clan even if the
MAIN SANDSTONE CLANS A12O3 content exceeded 5.0 per cent. One ex-
ception to this rule was made: for the purposes
Tables 1-3 show the compositions of sand- of comparison two glauconitic Molasse2
stones. sandstones were included with most of the
"QUARTZITE" CLAN: Quartzites have been other Molasse sandstones in the exogeosyn-
denned arbitrarily herein as sandstones con- clinal clan. Glauconite is an authigenic mineral
taining less than 5.0 per cent Al2Os. Theoreti- of unusual chemical composition, so that
cally, a sandstone with 5.0 per cent AUO3 glauconitic sandstones are easily recognized
might consist of a pure quartz sand with up to 2
30 per cent argillaceous matrix; practically, Molasse is used in this paper in a stratigraphic
such a situation appears to be rare. Almost all sense to refer to certain groups of sandstones found
in Switzerland and adjacent areas (cf. Appendix).
sandstones with 5 per cent alumina contain a The same applies to the usage in the explanation of
fair proportion of rock fragments and/or Figures 2 and 3 of the term Flysch.

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1016 G. V. MIDDLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

from their chemical analyses. In general they nos. 22, 40 in the Appendix). These examples
have a high alkalies/Al2O3 ratio and high can also be clearly distinguished by their
K2O/Na2O ratio, but unlike the arkoses they chemical characteristics, and they belong
have a high total iron/alkalies ratio. Glauco- properly to the group of high-rank or eugeo-

TABLE 2.—AVERAGE COMPOSITIONS OF SANDSTONES FROM THE LITERATURE


1 2 3 4 5 6

SiOa 78.66 84.86 68.1 64.7 76.37 93.16


TiO2 0.25 0.41 0.7 0.5 0.41 0.03
A1203 4.78 5.96 15.4 14.8 10.63 1.28
Fe203 1.08 1.39 1.0* 1.5 2.12)
0.30 0.84 1.22J 0.43
FeO 3.4 3.9
MgO 1.17 0.52 1.8 2.2 0.23 0.07
MnO tr tr 0.2 0.1 0.25
CaO 5.52 1.05 2.3 3.1 1.30 3.12
Na2O 0.45 0.76 2.6 3.1 1.84)>
1.32 0.39
K2O 1.16 2.2 1.9 4.99J
H20+ 1.33 1.47) 2.4)
0.31 2.1 0.83J- 0.65
H20- 0.27J 0.7J
P205 0.08 0.06 0.2 0.2 0.21
C02 5.04 1.01 1.3 0.54 2.01
S03 0.07 0.09 0.4
SrO tr none
BaO 0.05 0.01
Li20 tr tr
S 0.2
TOTAL 100.41 99.86 100.00 101.0 100.94 101.14
1. Composite analysis of 253 sandstones (Clarke, 1924, p. 547)
2. Composite analysis of 371 sandstones used for building purposes (Clarke, 1924, p. 547)
3. Average graywacke (Tyrrell, 1933) (30 analyses)
4. Average graywacke (Pettijohn, 1957) (23 analyses)
5. Average arkose (Pettijohn, 1957) (5 analyses)
6. Average quartzite (Pettijohn, 1957) (8 analyses)
* Corrected from 3.4, as originally given (probably a misprint)

nite usually indicates slow deposition, and synclinal graywackes. On the other hand, many
hence era tonic setting; however, glauconitic of the sandstones included in this clan would
sandstones are also found in extracratonic not be petrographically described as arkoses
environments (e.g., in the Molasse). but as feldspathic sandstones; a few so-called
TAPHROGEOSYNCLINAL SANDSTONE CLAN: The arkoses are also found in the exogeosynclinal
tectonic setting of this clan is the taphrogeo- clan.
syncline (Kay, 1951), possibly also including The variation diagrams (Figs. 2, 3) show
some zeugogeosynclines, or the intracratonic that the taphrogeosynclinal clan is charac-
fault basin (Krumbein and Sloss, 1953). terized by high K2O/Na2O ratio (very rarely
The sediments are also frequently called post- less than 1.00) and by high alkalies/Al2O3
orogenic since they usually occur in fault ratio. The common red, obviously iron-stained
basins formed in association with an erogenic or cemented sandstones in this clan are actually
belt but after the main period of folding and much poorer in iron than the graywackes. The
metamorphism. Many of the arkoses are found reason is that the average granite, granodiorite,
in this setting, but certain analyses of rocks or feldspathic gneiss (from which arkoses are
named arkose do not fit the sedimentary- derived) contains relatively little iron (usually
tectonic framework of this clan (cf. analyses about 1.5—2.5 per cent).

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CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAIN SANDSTONE CLANS 1017

The arkoses (as commonly petrographically using the criterion of clay content, to class as
defined) occur almost exclusively within the graywackes (as opposed to subgraywackes)
arkose clan. Their chemical composition dis- only those graywackes which are also turbi-
tinguishes them from the other main group of dites (Kuenen, 1957). The author believes
that this is a valid point of view, but that it
TABLE 3.—COMPOSITION or THE AVERAGE excludes from the graywackes many rocks to
SANDSTONE which geologists have consistently given the
name in the past. Furthermore, it is very
1 2 3 doubtful whether Pettijohn's proposed miner-
alogical classification is effective in separating
turbidites from other types of sandstones
SiO2 77.96 84.30 77.89 (cf. Krynine, 1956).
A1203 9.17 5.12 8.74 EUGEOSYNCLINAL CLAN: These sandstones
Fe203 3.65 1.51 4.06 are in fact (although not necessarily by defini-
MgO 1.22 1.25 1.40 tion) the graywackes of Pettijohn (1957).
CaO 4.59 5.92 4.57 As far as the author knows they are most
Na,O 1.22 0.48 1.41 commonly although not invariably turbidites.
K2O 2.18 1.41 1.92 They are distinguished by their occurrence
in folded mountain belts and by their associa-
TOTAL 99.99 99.99 99.99 tion with volcanic rocks, radiolarian cherts,
graptolitic shales, and intrusive(P) serpentines.
1. Average prepared from arithmetic averages in No distinction is made herein between the
Table 1, weighted as follows: taphrogeosynclinal: eu- eugeosynclines and epieugeosynclines of Kay
synclinal:exogenosynclinal:"Quartzite" = 32.5: (1951). The analyses probably include rela-
10:35:22.5. tively few epieugeosynclinal sandstones.
2. Clarke's composite (Table 2, analysis 1) re- The sandstones in this clan have one chem-
calculated to seven major elements for comparison. ical characteristic which clearly sets them off
3. Average prepared from arithmetic averages in
from all other sandstones (except probably
Table 1, weighted according to the relative abun- for a few noneugeosynclinal volcanic sand-
dance of analyses used in this study.
stones)—they have a K.2O/Na2O ratio of less
than 1.0 (See Fig. 3). This characteristic needs
highly feldspathic sediments, the high-rank further investigation. Pettijohn (1943; 1949)
graywackes which occur almost exclusively noted the low K2O/Na2O ratio of graywackes
in the eugeosynclinal clan. Comparison of (high-rank graywackes of Krynine, 1948)
the distribution diagrams for K20/Na2O and remarked that although the composition
(Fig. 3) shows that there is practically no over- of a graywacke might be approximated by a
lap of the fields for the two clans; relatively mixture of two parts shale with one part ar-
little overlap is observed in the diagrams for kose, this mixture did not give the right pro-
alkalies/Al2O3 (cf. Figs. 2, 3). This observation portions of K2O and Na2O. Pettijohn (1949)
supports Krynine's view and invalidates Gil- suggested that incomplete chemical weather-
bert's contention (1955, p. 295) that it is in- ing of the source material was responsible.
correct to contrast graywackes with arkoses. An analysis of the possible causes of low
It should be noted, however, that Gilbert K2O/Na2O ratio suggests the following possible
chose feldspar content as his criterion of explanations:
whether or not a rock is arkosic. Defining an (1) The source rocks are soda-rich. The most
arkose only on this basis neglects completely a abundant possible source rocks have average
fundamental difference between two impor- contents of alkalies as shown at the top of the
tant clans of sandstones. Contrary to Gilbert's next page.
opinion, the term graywacke is not necessarily From this it is clear that the most promising
defined on a textural basis, but may be de- source for abundant Na2O is basic volcanic
fined on the basis of mineralogy. Many exogeo- rocks, especially in the spilite suite. Spilites,
synclinal graywackes are relatively well furthermore, are characteristically associated
sorted and would undoubtedly be called quartz- with eugeosynclinal belts. In many cases where
ites but for the presence of many dark fine- the petrography of eugeosynclinal graywackes
grained rock fragments. Recently an attempt has been studied, the presence of volcanic
has been made by Pettijohn (1957, p. 301-314), debris in these sandstones has been reported.

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1018 G. V. MIDDLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

Na2O (Per K2O (Per K2O/Na2O


Rock Type Cent) Cent) Ratio Source of Averages

Precambrian granite 3.24 4.50 1.39 Daly (1933, p. 9)


Alkaline granite 4. 55 4.20 0.92 Daly (1933, p. 10)
Quartz diorite 3.37 2.10 0.62 Daly (1933, p. 15)
Granodiorite 3.70 2.75 0.74 Daly (1933, p. 15)
Rhyolite 3.34 4.58 1.37 Daly (1933, p. 9)
Andesite 3.58 2.04 0.57 Daly (1933, p. 16)
Basalt 3.11 1.52 0.49 Daly (1933, p. 15)
Spilite 4.93 0.73 0.15 Sundius (1930)
Shale 1.83 3.73 2.04 Shaw (1956, p. 929)
Mica schist 2.00 3.43 1.71 Shaw (1956, p. 929)
Granite gneisses 3.0-3.5 2.5-3.0 0.85 Lapadu-Hargues (1946, p. 289)
(approx.)
i

Other volcanic sandstones which possibly tonic rocks is concentrated not in the relatively
may not be truly eugeosynclinal (e.g., the Mt. stable potassium feldspars but in the unstable
Diablo sandstones from California which are mineral biotite. It must be remembered that a
epieugeosynclinal?) show very close chemical low K2O/Na2O source-rock ratio is required
similarities to the eugeosynclinal graywackes. to offset the effect, in the derived graywacke,
(2) Regional soda metasomatism. This of clay materials and argillaceous rock frag-
explanation cannot be lightly dismissed in view ments.
of the body of opinion which explains the The writer concludes that the peculiar
closely associated spilite suite of volcanic characteristics of high-rank graywackes are a
rocks in this way. However, the author rejects result of a partial volcanic (spilitic) prove-
this hypothesis because there is practically nance, combined with rapid erosion and little
no petrographic evidence to support a theory chemical weathering. Petrographic evidence
of regional metasomatism of graywackes. supports this hypothesis in many cases (e.g.,
(3) Incomplete weathering of the source Tanner graywacke, Harz, Germany, Helm-
rocks (Pettijohn, 1949). Since Na2O is removed bold, 1952; Barmouth grit, North Wales,
from rocks during weathering at least as rapidly Matley and Wilson, 1946, p. 31; Taveyannaz
as K2O and commonly more rapidly (cf. sandstone, Switzerland (Flysch), Niggli and
Leith and Mead, 1915; Goldich, 1938), and Niggli, 1952, p. 244; Franciscan graywacke,
since potassium feldspars are believed to be California, Gilbert, 1955, p. 303; Knife Lake
more resistant to weathering than plagioclase graywacke, Minnesota, Grout, 1933, p. 995;
feldspars, it appears that the source rock for Archean graywacke, Kirkland Lake, Ontario,
graywackes must have at least as low a K20/ Todd, 1928, p. 19-20).
Na2O ratio as they have, however incomplete The important differences between high-
the weathering. Evidence in favor of this hy- rank graywackes and low-rank graywackes
pothesis, as opposed to the hypothesis of and arkoses suggest the advisability of a re-
basic volcanic provenance, is fairly convincing vision of existing petrographic classifications
in some cases. Petrographic studies of some to make this distinction more evident on a
eugeosynclinal graywackes show practically petrographic level. This might be achieved by
no evidence for basic volcanic provenance distinguishing between potassium and plagio-
but strong evidence for high-grade metamorphic clase feldspars and between argillaceous or
or granite gneiss provenance. An example is metamorphic and volcanic rock fragments.
the Rensselaer grit (Dale, 1893; Balk, 1953). The high content of iron may be attributed
Also it is clear from the figures given that the to derivation from basic volcanic rocks (with
abundant quartz diorite-granodiorite plutonic an average total iron of over 13 per cent Fe2O3)
association is sufficiently rich in soda to be a and argillaceous rocks (with an average total
suitable source for graywackes in which the iron of about 7 per cent Fe2Os). The provenance,
K2O/Na2O ratio is not too low. This is par- rapid erosion, and deposition in generally
ticularly apparent if some of the K2O in p'u- deep, poorly oxygenated waters all contribute

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CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAIN SANDSTONE CLANS 1019

to the low Fe2O3/FeO ratio. The alkalies/ may be noted that the provenance is mixed,
Al2Os ratio is lower than that of arkoses as a both volcanic and metamorphic or sedimen-
result of the abundance of argillaceous mate- tary rocks being common in the source area.
rials both as rock fragments and as clay EXOGEOSYNCLINAL CLAN: This is tectonically
matrix. As indicated by Figure 1, there is little the least well-defined clan; lack of precise

K20

FIGURE 2.—ALKALIES-ALUMINA VARIATION DIAGRAMS


A shows the distribution of values for the eugeosynclinal sandstones. Open squares indicate sandstones
from the Flysch of Switzerland, and solid squares indicate sandstones from the Macigno of Italy. B shows
the distribution of values for the Molasse (open triangle), Coal Measures (cross), taphrogeosynclinal (solid
circle and solid triangle), and glauconitic (G) sandstones. Within the taphrogeosynclinal clan, the Torri-
donian sandstones are indicated by the solid triangle. Notice the wide range of variation within a formation
(almost as large as within-clan variation).
The Coal Measure sandstones form a well-defined subgroup of the exogeosynclinal clan. The Molasse
sandstones are intermediate in character between the Coal Measure sandstones and the majority of the
taphrogeosynclinal sandstones. Note that the distinction between taphrogeosynclinal and Coal Measure
sandstones becomes clearer at higher values of alumina.
The glauconitic sandstones form a clearly defined group rich in alkalies.

evidence to support a belief that there is a definition is indicated by the greater and more
clear separation between sandstones with irregular variation in chemical composition
feldspar and a few clay materials or chlorite shown by the histograms. For this reason the
(arkoses), and sandstones rich in clay and discussion which follows deals with subgroups,
chloritic materials. An opposite opinion, which appear to be somewhat more clearly
however, is not clearly supported either, defined.
since other factors may produce the observed The characteristic tectonic setting, with
distribution of elements (e.g., the diagenetic sediments spreading away from the deformed
breakdown of feldspars). eugeosyncline and exterior miogeosyncline,
The characterization of eugeosynclinal gray- across the old interior miogeosyncline and
wackes by their basic volcanic provenance is craton, is shown! in many cases, notably for
fully in accordance with Kay's views (1951) the group of Coal Measure sandstones from the
on the nature of the source lands for eugeosyn- Carboniferous of Belgium and for the group of
clinal sediments. However, in most cases it Molasse sandstones.

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1020 G. V. MIDDLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

published analyses are the Coal Measure sand-


A stones. These sandstones (Figs. 2, 3) are charac-
teristically low-rank graywackes (i.e., poor
in feldspar), with a few feldspathic types.
They are clearly distinguished from eugeosyn-
clinal graywackes by their high K^O/NW)
ratio and from the taphrogeosynclinal sand-
stones by their low alkalies/A^Os ratio.
Generally speaking there is little overlap with
the taphrogeosynclinal clan (cf. Fig. 3), par-
ticularly if the total iron/alkalies ratio is also
considered. However, the Molasse sandstones
(Figs. 2, 3) seem to be a group with interme-
diate characteristics. This may indicate that
the distinction between the taphrogeosynclinal
and exogeosynclinal clans is not as clear as
might be understood from Krynine (1948, p.
136: See, however, Krynine, 1956, paragraph
B 10).
The Coal Measure and Molasse sandstones
are intermediate in iron content between the
arkoses and the eugeosynclinal graywackes. A
few Coal Measure sandstones have a very high
content of iron owing to the presence of an
authigenic siderite or pyrite cement which was
precipitated at the time of deposition or during
early diagenesis. The fairly high content of iron
may be explained by the metamorphic and
sedimentary (argillaceous) provenance of
2 • • > ? *+ + + most coal measures and relatively rapid ero-
^** V * + sion, transportation, and burial.
In spite of the fact that the exogeosynclinal
+No 0 % sandstones might be expected to be derived
3 4 from folded eugeosynclinal rocks, the volcanic
provenance is not apparent, and the dominant
FIGURE 3.—K2O-Na2O VARIATION DIAGRAMS provenance appears to be low-grade meta-
A shows the distribution for some exogeosynclinal morphic or sedimentary rocks.
sandstones (Molasse indicated by open circle or by
letter G if glauconitic, Coal Measures indicated by
open triangle). B shows the distribution of taphroge- THE AVERAGE SANDSTONE
osynclinal sandstones (solid circles and squares) and
eugeosynclinal sandstones (crosses and open Average sandstones have been computed
squares). Torridonian sandstones are indicated by
solid squares and the Swiss Flysch sandstones by for each of the four different clans. In view of
open squares. Notice the wide variation within the inadequate sampling and somewhat du-
formations. bious method of classification into clans, no
Note the rare occurrence of KjO/NasO ratios of great significance can be attached to the aver-
less than 1.0 in any clan other than the eugeosyn-
clinal. The only members of the eugeosynclinal clan ages given. It was felt that what was of most
with high K2O/Na2O ratios are one of the Pre- interest was some indication of the "typical"
camhrian graded beds from Finland (analysis 134) (= modal) composition of the three clans with
and one of the Knife Lake Precambrian graywackes A1 O >5 per cent. As suggested by Ahrens
(analysis 102). 2 3
(1954a and b) for some minor elements, and
It must be admitted, however, that many as is indicated for five of the major elements in
sandstones were included in this clan for this study (Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, Na20, K2O—
want of a better group to put them in, and cf. Fig. 4), the percentage weight of the oxides
that the averages given for this clan are tends to follow a log-normal distribution more
therefore unsatisfactory. closely than a normal distribution. Under
The most abundant types represented by these circumstances it is felt that the geometric

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THE AVERAGE SANDSTONE 1021

(or logarithmic) mean is a more significant weighted according to the estimates of the rela-
average than the arithmetic mean. For SiO2 tive abundance of the different sandstone
and A12O3 the dispersion is relatively small, clans given by Krynine (1948, p. 156), and for
so that the distribution approximates to nor- the second average the weighting follows the
mal. Consequently there is little difference relative abundance of analyses used in this
between the arithmetic and geometric means study. The analyses used fall into groups as
(for example, for taphrogeosynclinal sand- shown at the foot of this page.
stones the geometric mean for SiO2 is 76.46 The estimates of abundance which result
per cent and the arithmetic mean is 77.10 per from this study agree more closely with the
cent) and the arithmetic means are therefore abundances of different petrographic types
used for these two oxides (cf. Table 1). given by Pettijohn (1957, p. 293) than with
For other oxides, the arithmetic mean may the abundances given by Krynine. However,
be up to ten or more times as great as the geo- it should be noted that the four clans are de-
metric mean. The arithmetic mean is far more fined on different criteria in this study than
influenced by a few very high values than is those employed by Krynine or Pettijohn.
the geometric mean. Also the sampling bias may well result in the
The geometric means were computed for relative abundance of analyses giving a poor
grouped data, using the groupings shown in the estimate of the true relative abundances of the
histograms (Fig. 4). The mean is given by the sandstone clans.
following equation: Clarke's (1924) composite analysis (Table 2),
which is usually cited as the "average sand-
log X = stone," is recalculated to 100 per cent for the
N seven major oxides for comparison (Table 3).
Probably Clarke's composite contained too
where X is the geometric mean, X is the geo- high a proportion of quartzites. Owing to their
metric midpoint of the interval, / is the num- detailed stratigraphic subdivision and wide
ber of analyses falling in the interval, and N areal extent, sediments on the craton are com-
is the total number of analyses used in com- monly overrepresented in museum collections
puting the mean. of sedimentary rocks. An overrepresentation
The geometric mean of a log-normal dis- of quartzites (including those with calcareous
tribution is identical with the mode, whereas
the arithmetic mean is commonly far removed cement) would explain why Clarke's composite
from the mode. Thus, the arithmetic mean is relatively poor in A12O3 and Fe2C>3 and rich
gives a very poor idea of the composition of a in CaO.
"typical" member of the clan.
Arithmetic means have been computed, APPENDIX: LIST OF ANALYSES
however, because it is not possible to use geo-
metric means for calculating crustal abundance The references given for the analyses are to the
publication from which the analysis was first col-
of the elements. The arithmetic means have lected. In many cases this is not the original publica-
also been used to calculate two "average sand- tion of the analysis.
stones" on the basis of two different weightings 1. Glauconitic quartz sand, Thanetian (Tertiary)
(Table 3). of Mons-en-Baroeul, France (Cayeux, 1929, p.
For the first average the analyses were 46)

Number of Abundances (Per Cent)


Clan Percentage
Analyses (Krynine, 1948) (Pettijohn, 1957)

Quartzite 57 34 22.5 approx. 30


Nonglauconitic 48 29
Glauconitic 9 5
Arkose 27 16 32.5 approx. 15
High-rank graywacke 41 24 10
Low-rank graywacke 43 26 35
Glauconitic 2 1

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1022 G. V. MIDDLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

50
^Quartzites Si02 AI
2°3 Total Iron FeO
as Fe203
30

rH 56 55 Jin n.
4O 60 5 9 13 17 06 -13 -25 -50 10 2-0 4-0 8-0 16 •01 -O6 -25 1-0 4-0
Taphrogeosynclinal sandstones

26
Eugeosynclinal sandstones

Exogeosynclinal and other sandstones

43 43
A
43 H.I
Quartzites MgO CaO Na20 K20

01 06 « to 40 03 13 -SO 20 80 32 •01 -O3 06 -13 -25 SO 10 20 4-0 •01 -03 -06 -13 -25 -30 K3 20 4O
. Taphrogeosynclinal sandstones

Eugeosynclinal sandstones

41 41
so n
Exogeosynclinal and other sandstones
so
20
10
H n , . . n—i
FIGURE 4

(See /oo/ o/ next page)

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APPENDIX: LIST OF ANALYSES 1023

2. Sand with opaline cement, Cenomanian of 32. Grande Bouillon sandstone (Coal Measures),
Bracquegnies, Belgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. 130) PBelgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. 227)
3. Sand with opaline cement (glauconitic) 33, 34, 35. Stephanian sandstones (Coal Meas-
Thanetian (Tertiary) of Angre, Belgium ures), PBelgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. 232)
(Cayeux, 1929, p. 130) 36. Woodkirk blue stone (Coal Measures), near
4. Sand with chalcedony cement, Ypresian (Ter- Wakefield, England (Trueman, 1954, p. 21)
tiary) of Mont Panisel, Belgium (Cayeux, 37. Pennant sandstone (Carboniferous), Craig yr
1929, p. 132) erg quarry, South Wales (Trueman, 1954, p.
5. Quartzite of Fontainebleau, France (Cayeux, 21)
1929, p. 142) 38. "Buntsandstein" (sandstone with 19 per cent
6. Quartzite of Beauchamp, France (Cayeux, feldspar, 11 per cent micas) (Correns, 1949, p.
1929, p. 142) 379-380)
7. Calcareous quartz!te of Fontainebleau, France 39. "Spiriferensandstein" (sandstone with 6 per
(Cayeux, 1929, p. 155) cent feldspar) (Correns, 1949, p. 379-380)
8. Molasse, Aquitanian (Tertiary) of Belmont, 40. "Arkose" (sandstone with 20 per cent plagio-
Switzerland (Cayeux, 1929, p. 161) clase, 3 per cent orthoclase, 3 per cent micas, 4
9, 10. Molasse, Burdigalian (Tertiary) of Voreppe, per cent serpentine, 16 per cent clay minerals)
France (glauconitic) (Cayeux, 1929, p. 163) (Correns, 1949, p. 379-380)
11, 12. Macigno (Tertiary), Italy (Cayeux, 1929, 41. Sandstone, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
P. 171) (Clarke, 1924, p. 547)
13, 14. Coal Measure sandstone, north of Charleroi, 42. Ferruginous sandstone, Hunstanton, England
Belgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. 176) (Clarke, 1924, p. 547). This is probably a
15. Hornu and Wasmes sandstone (Coal Meas- quartzite and is classed as such in spite of the
ures), Belgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. 176) fact that it has slightly more than 5 per cent
16. Grand Hornu sandstone (Coal Measures), alumina.
Belgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. 176) 43. Miocene sandstone, Mt. Diablo, California
17-. Fonjoine sandstone, France (Cayeux, 1929, p. (Clarke, 1949, p. 547)
178) 44. Graywacke, Hurley, Wisconsin (Clarke, 1949,
18. Lison arkose (Permian), France (Caveux, 1929, p. 547)
p. 182) 45. Barmouth grit (Cambrian), North Wales
19. Glauconitic and phosphatic sandstone, Aptian, (Phillips, 1881, p. 21)
Boulonnais, France (Cayeux, 1929, p. 191) 46. Yoredale sandstone (Carboniferous), Shalk
20. Sandstone with cement of organic matter, Beck, Cumberland, England (Phillips, 1881,
Landes, France (Cayeux, 1929, p. 193) p. 21)
21. Arkose (Precambrian) Laize valley, France 47. Millstone grit (Carboniferous), Brigham,
(Cayeux, 1929, p. 202) Cumberland, England (Phillips, 1881, p. 21)
22. Graywacke(?) (Cambrian) Omonville-La- 48. Lower Coal Measures sandstone, Spinkwell
Rouge, France (Cayeux, 1929, p. 207). This quarry, Bradford, England (Phillips, 1881, p.
rock is described by Cayeux as an arkose but 21)
contains only 10 per cent orthoclase and has 49. Bunter sandstone (Triassic), Bootle Well,
much paragonite matrix. Liverpool, England (Phillips, 1881, p. 21)
23. Arkose of Fepin (Lower Devonian), Belgium 50. Graywacke, Neranleigh series, Queensland,
(Cayeux, 1929, p. 210) Australia (David, 1950, v. 1, p. 224)
24. Arkose (Triassic), Saint-Leger-du-Bois, France 51. Triassic sandstone, Hawkesbury series, Pyr-
(Cayeux, 1929, p. 212) mont, Sydney, Australia (coal-bearing)
25, 26. Titaniferous sandstone, Orge valley, France (David, 1950, v. 1, p. 443)
(Cayeux, 1929, p. 219) 52. Feldspathic sandstone, Middle series (Triassic)
27, 28, 29, 30. Hornu and Wasmes sandstones Midlands area, Tasmania, Australia (coal-
(Coal Measures), PBelgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. bearing and tuffaceous) (David, 1950, v. 1, p.
227) 443)
31. Coal Measure sandstone, north of Charleroi, 53. Oligocene sand, Rosental, Germany (Niggli
Belgium (Cayeux, 1929, p. 227) et al., 1930, p. 55)

FIGURE 4.—HISTOGRAMS FOR EIGHT MAJOR OXIDES IN THE FOUR SANDSTONE CIANS
The histograms for each of the four clans are plotted on the same scale for comparison. The scale on the
abscissa is geometric for all oxides except SiO2 and AUOs. The ordinate scale is in percentage of total number
of analyses used to compute the histogram. This number is inscribed within each histogram, since in some
of the analyses used not all the oxides were determined. Note that the eugeosynclinal clan forms the least
dispersed group, with a clear approximation to log-normal distribution for most oxides. The greater disper-
sion for other clans may be partly explained by the variation introduced by the presence in some cases of
authigenic cement (which is almost invariably absent in the eugeosynclinal sandstones). The clearly bi-
modal distribution of CaO in the "quartzite" and exogeosynclinal clans results from a calcite cement.

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1024 G. V. MIDDLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

54. Greensand (glauconitic), New Jersey (Niggli 81. Archaen graywacke, Manitou Lake, Ontario,
et al., 1930, p. 56) Canada (Pettijohn, 1957, p. 306)
55. Dolomitic marly sand, Raceville, New York 82. Eocene graywacke, Olympic Mountains,
(Niggli et al., 1930, p. 56) Washington (Pettijohn, 1957, p. 306)
56. Marly sand, Arroyo del Cerro, California 83. Keewatin graywacke, Casummit Lake,
(Niggli et al., 1930, p. 56) Ontario, Canada (Pettijohn, 1957, p. 306)
57. Chico sandstone (Upper Cretaceous), Mt. 84. Kulm graywacke, Steinbach, Frankenwald,
Diablo, California (Niggli et al., 1930, p. 57) Germany (Pettijohn, 1957, p. 306)
58. "Arkose", Molasse (Tertiary), Unterageri, Kt. 85. Rensselaer graywacke, 1J^ miles east of
Zug., Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1930, p. 57) Spencertown, New York (Balk, 1953, p. 824)
59. Berea sandstone (Mississippian), Ohio (Niggli 86. Rensselaer graywacke, one-quarter of a mile
et al., 1930, p. 58) west of Kendall Pond, New York (Balk, 1953,
60. Bunter sandstone (Triassic), Niederhessen, p. 824)
Germany (Niggli et al., 1930, p. 58) 87. Rensselaer graywacke, lens in chloritoid
61. Chico sandstone, Mt. Diablo, California (Nig- quartz-chlorite schist, 1% miles east-southeast
gli et al., 1930, p. 58) of Center Berlin, New York (Balk, 1953, p.
62. Marly sandstone, St.-Gingolph, Genfersee, 824)
Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1930, p. 59) 88. Aure graywacke (Miocene), Papua (Pettijohn,
63. Glauconitic sandstone (Lower Cretaceous), 1957, p. 306)
Sevelen, Rheintal, Switzerland (Niggli et al., 89. Cretaceous graywacke, Papua (Pettijohn,
1930, p. 59) 1957, p. 306)
64. Taveyannaz sandstone, Flysch (Tertiary), 90. Archean graywacke, Kirkland Lake, Ontario,
Diirrenberg, Kiental, Switzerland (Niggli et al., Canada. Sylvanite mine (Todd, 1928, p. 20)
1930, p. 59) 91. Archaen graywacke, Kirkland Lake, Ontario,
65. Sandstone, Helvetic Nappe, Merligen, Thuner Canada. Lake Shore mine (Todd, 1928, p. 20)
See, Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1930, p. 253) 92. Lorrain quartzite (Huronian) (Pettijohn
66. Calcareous quartzite, Flysch (Tertiary), Stein- 1957, p. 298)
bruch Guber, Alpnach-Dorf, Switzerland 93. St. Peter's quartzite (Ordovician) (Pettijohn,
(Niggli et al., 1930, p. 254) 1957, p. 298)
67. Altdorfersandstein, Flysch (Tertiary), Alting- 94. Mesnard quartzite (Precambrian) (Pettijohn,
hausen, Kt. Uri, Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1957), p. 298)
1930, p. 254) 95. Tuscarora quartzite (Silurian) (Pettijohn,
68. Flysch (Tertiary), Matt, Sernftal, Switzerland 1957, p. 298)
(Niggli et al., 1930, p. 254) 96. Oriskany quartzite (Devonian) (Pettijohn,
69. Calcareous glauconitic quartzite, Brisischichten 1957, p. 298)
(Lower Cretaceous), Switzerland (Niggli 96. Oriskany quartzite (Devonian) (Pettijohn,
et al., 1930, p. 254) 1957, p. 298)
70. Lower Siisswassermolasse (Tertiary), Gra- 97. Berea quartzite (Mississippian) (Pettijohn,
nichen, Burghalde, Kt. Aargau, Switzerland 1957, p. 298)
(Niggli et al., 1930, p. 262) 98. Sioux quartzite (Precambrian) (Pettijohn,
71. Glauconitic sandstone, Niederischichten (Al- 1957, p. 298)
bian) Unter Rafis, Rheintal, Switzerland 99. Graywacke, Stanley shale (Carboniferous),
(Niggli et al., 1942, p. 47) near Mena, Arkansas (Pettijohn, 1957, p. 319)
72. Glauconitic sandstone, Gamser Schichten 100. Graywacke phase of the Rove formation
(Gargasian), Buchserberg quarry, near Buchs, (Animikie, Precambrian), Loon Lake, Minne-
Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1942, p. 47) sota (Grout, 1933, p. 997)
73. Quartzite (Triassic), Tatschis, west Tamins, 101. Knife Lake graywacke (Precambrian), Knife
Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1942, p. 47) Lake, Minnesota (Grout, 1933, p. 997)
74. Molasse, Burdigalian (Tertiary) (Niggli et al. 102. Knife Lake graywacke, Jordan Lake, Minne-
1942, p. 48) sota (Grout, 1933, p. 997)
75. Molasse, Helvetian (Tertiary) (Niggli et al., 103. Knife Lake graywacke, South of Tower,
1942, p. 48) Minnesota (Grout, 1933, p. 997)
76. Upper Susswassermolasse (Tertiary), Detten- 104. Arkose, Torridonian (Precambrian) near
berg, near Eschenmosen, Switzerland (Niggli Bernera, Glenelg, Scotland (Kennedy, 1951, p.
et al., 1942, p. 50) 257)
77. Molasse (Tertiary), Altishofen, Bohrloch, 105. Arkose (Torridonian) Beinn na Seamraig grit,
Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1956, p. 75) north shore, Loch na Dal, Skye, Scotland
78. Quartz sand (Rhaetic), Erschwil, Switzerland (Kennedy, 1951, p. 257)
(Niggli et al., 1956, p. 77) 106. Arkose (Torridonian) Kinloch, Skye, Scotland
79. Glauconitic sandstone (Gargasian), Bucherser- (Kennedy, 1951, p. 257)
berg, Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1956, p. 69) 107. Arkose (Torridonian), Kinloch beds, head of
80. Paleozoic graywacke, Mungo River, New Loch na Dal, Skye, Scotland (Kennedy, 195],
Zealand (Pettijohn, 1957, p. 306) p. 257)

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APPENDIX: LIST OF ANALYSES 1025

108. Portland arkose (Triassic), Connecticut (W. W. Rubey, T. P. Hill, and D. A. Welsh,
(Pettijohn, 1957, p. 324) 1954, unpub. MS., U.S. Geol. Survey, p. S)
109. Torridonian arkose (Pettijohn, 1957, p. 324) 141. Paskapoo sandstone (Tertiary), Calgary,
110. Arkose, Lower Old Red Sandstone, Scotland Alberta (Parks, 1916, p. 218)
(Pettijohn, 1957, p. 324) 142. Torridonian arkose (Precambrian), Torridon,
111. Sparagmite arkose (Precambrian) (unmeta- Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 58)
morphosed), Engerdalen region, Norway 143. Torridonian arkose, Glen Banaisdale, Scot-
(Pettijohn, 1957, p. 324) land (Mackie, 1900, p. 58)
112. Timiskaming graywacke (Precambrian), near 144. Middle Old Red Sandstone ("Lower" ORS of
Porcupine Lake, Ontario, Canada (H. G. Mac- Mackie), Tarradale, Black Isle, Scotland
Pherson, 1958, p. 76) (Mackie, 1900, p. 58)
113. Tanner graywacke (Carboniferous-Devonian) 145. Middle Old Red Sandstone, Red Crags, Focha-
(coarse-grained), Harz, Germany (Helmbold, bers-on-Spey, Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 58
1952) 146. Matrix of conglomerate, Middle Old Red
114. Tanner graywacke, medium-grained (Helm- Sandstone, Tynet, Scotland (Mackie, 1900,
bold, 1952) p. 58)
115. Tanner graywacke, fine-grained (Helmbold, 147. Matrix of conglomerate, Middle Old Red
1952) Sandstone, Achenroath, Scotland (Mackie,
116. 117. Molasse (Tertiary), Couvet, Val-de- 1900, p. 58)
Travers, Switzerland (Niggli et al., 1930, p. 148. Upper Old Red Sandstone, Scaat Craig, Scot-
286) land (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
118, 119. Molasse (Tertiary), Montier, Switzerland 149. Upper Old Red Sandstone, Kings Steps, Nairn,
(Niggli et al., 1930, p. 288) Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
120. Franciscan graywacke (PJurassic), Piedmont, 150. 151. Upper Old Red Sandstone, Newton,
California (Taliaferro, 1943, p. 136) Elgin, Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
121. Franciscan graywacke, Sulphur Bank, Cali- 152. Upper Old Red Sandstone, Rosebrae, Elgin,
fornia (Taliaferro, 1943, p. 136) Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
122. Franciscan graywacke, Carbona quadrangle, 153. Upper Old Red Sandstone, Bishopmill, Elgin,
California (Taliaferro, 1943, p. 136) Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
123. Franciscan graywacke, Mt. Diablo, California 154. Upper Old Red Sandstone, Oakbrae, Elgin,
(Taliaferro, 1943, p. 136) Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
124. 125. Taveyannazsandstein, Flysch, Diablerets, 155. "Reptiliferous sandstone" (Permo-Trias), Cut-
Switzerland (Niggli and Niggli, 1952, p. 231) tieshillock, Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
126. Dakota sandstone (Cretaceous) Minnesota 156. "Reptiliferous sandstone" (Permo-Trias), Spy-
(Merrill, 1903, p. 516) nie, Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
127. Berea sandstone (Mississippian) Ohio (Merrill, 157. "Reptiliferous sandstone" (Permo-Trias),
1903, p. 516) Findvassie, Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
128. Quartzite, Siskowit Bay, Wisconsin (Merrill, 158. "Reptiliferous sandstone" (Permo-Trias),
1903, p. 516) Covesea, Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
129. "Quartzite", Pipestone, Minnesota (Merrill, 159. "Reptiliferous sandstone" (Permo-Trias),
1903, p. 516) Greenbrae, Scotland (Mackie, 1900, p. 59)
130. Quartzite, Hinckley, Minnesota (Merrill, 160. Quartzite (Cambrian, Revinian), near Fepin,
1903, p. 516) Belgium (Reade and Holland, 1898, p. 293)
131. Quartzite, near Fort Snelling, Minnesota (Mer- 161. Quartzite (Lower Devonian), near Fepin,
rill, 1903, p. 516) Belgium (Reade and Holland, 1898, p. 293)
132. Sandstone, Fond du Lac, Minnesota (Merrill, 162. 163, 164. Bunter sandstone (Triassic) with
1903, p. 516) baryte cement, Bidston Hill, Liverpool, Eng-
133. Sandstone, Jordan, Minnesota (Merrill, 1903, land (Moore, 1898, p. 252)
p. 516) 165, 166, 167, 168. Bunter sandstone (Triassic), or
134. Coarse-grained, light-colored portion of varve iron concretion in sandstone, Prenton Hill,
(Archaen), Finland (Simonen and Kuovo, Liverpool, England (Moore, 1898, p. 244)
1951, p. 101)
135. Coarse-grained base of megavarve (Archaen), REFERENCES CITED
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1026 G. V. MIDDLETON—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SANDSTONES

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