Sandstone arch, small Kanab Goldenstone

Sandstone arch, small Kanab GoldenstoneLocale: Arizona Approx size and weight 0. 5 to 1. 2 lb, variable by piece; dimensions at end. These sandstone arches mimic the grand arches of Utahs national parks. They are made of Kanab Goldenstone sandstone, a lighter colored sandstone sourced from an area near Kanab, just across the Arizona border. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand compacted and cemented together through geological processes, giving it a grainy texture. Sandstone

Locale: Arizona

Approx size and weight 0.5 to 1.2 lb, variable by piece; dimensions at end.

These sandstone arches mimic the grand arches of Utah’s national parks. They are made of Kanab Goldenstone sandstone, a lighter-colored sandstone sourced from an area near Kanab, just across the Arizona border. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand compacted and cemented together through geological processes, giving it a grainy texture. Sandstone with distinct layering like this can be called ‘picture stone’ because the layers resemble a southwestern landscape. It is often cut into flat slabs to best show the pattern, and nicer pieces are even framed for display.

The coloration of the sandstone is caused by iron, which also forms thick chocolate-brown bands criss-crossing the material. These arches are originally created by drilling a hole through a chunk of sandstone and sandblasting the material into a smoothed arch. The iron bands are harder than the surrounding sandstone and create ridges as the softer material is more quickly sandblasted away—just like the material would erode in nature.

All pieces have a flat bottom for display. Sandstone arches make a nice decorative accent piece around the home or in a desert terrarium. I put a few pieces I broke into my tanks and the isopods have enjoyed climbing them. Just be aware sandstone is a porous rock that will soak up water over time if used in wetter terrariums. This doesn’t seem to cause any issues other than some discoloration and spotty “growth” on the rock over time. Place it on a surface that will stay dry to avoid this.

Approx. dimensions:
A - 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.75"
B - 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.25"
C - 4 x 2.75 x 1.5"
D - 4 x 4 x 2"
E - 8.25 x 2 x 1"
F - 5 x 4 x .75"
G - 3.75 x 4.75 x .75"
H - 4 x 3.5 x 1"