Sandstone has a long history of use in Illinois. Pioneers built
foundations for their houses and barns and curbs around their wells from
it. Slabs of sandstone were once a popular material for sidewalks, some
of which are still in use. Churches and other sizable buildings have
been constructed from it, and at one time an Illinois sandstone was used
to make grindstones. Except for the St. Peter Sandstone, which was
discussed under “Silica Sand,” the use of sandstone has decreased,
although comparatively small quantities are still used as building
stone.
Most Illinois sandstones may be thought of as a mass of sand whose
grains are more or less firmly cemented together by clay, iron oxide,
and quartz, either singly or in combination, or, less commonly, by
calcite. The grains are particles of various minerals, but most of them
are quartz.
Sandstones are especially common in the hill country of extreme southern
Illinois. The Survey’s investigations in this area revealed that if they
are suitably processed some of the sandstones may have possibilities for
commercial use. Sandstones in other parts of the state also have been
studied, with similar conclusions.