Cretaceous sandstones in Moravia and Silesia and their application as building and ornamental stones

 

Authors: Pospíšil P

Published in: Bulletin of Geosciences, volume 79, issue 3; pages: 183 - 193; Received 4 November 2002; Accepted in revised form 11 February 2004;

Keywords: Cretaceous, sandstone, building stone, ornamental stone, petrology, Moravia, Silesia,

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Abstract

Sandstone is the rock type most widely used for building and ornamental purposes in the Moravian and Silesian regions. Many types of Cretaceous sandstone have been used for construction throughout history, most of which come from numerous small quarries along the south-eastern margin of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin and the Outer Carpathian nappes (Silesian Unit). However, production currently continues only at the Řeka locality (Outer Carpathians). The Bohemian Cretaceous sandstones that have been surveyed are quartzose with high proportions of SiO2 and low alkalies. The Outer Carpathian sandstones are glauconitic, with local calcareous cement, and higher proportions of Al2O3 and alkalies. The Bohemian Cretaceous sandstones are the more mature of the two. Furthermore, the physical properties of the sandstones from these two regions differ significantly, with those of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin showing lower bulk density, compressive strength and frost resistance, and higher porosity and water absorption than those of the Outer Carpathian, Silesian Unit. The thermal properties of these two sandstones differ as well, the Carpathian sandstone being a better heat conductor. Both types are suitable for construction purposes: the Carpathian sandstone as a dimensional/building stone (due to its lower degree of workability) and Bohemian Cretaceous sandstone as an ornamental stone. The current sources would be able to sustain future exploitation.