Cemented Sandstones of the Dakota and Kiowa Formations in Kansas
by Ada Swineford
Originally published in 1947 as Kansas Geological Survey Bulletin 70, Part 4.
This is, in general, the original text as published in 1947. The information has not been updated.
Abstract
Cemented sandstones in the Kiowa and Dakota formations in central Kansas have been quarried in considerable quantities for use of concrete aggregate, riprap, road metal, and building stone. This report presents the results of a study of calcite-, dolomitic calcite- and silica-cemented sandstones in Clay, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Kearny, Lincoln, McPherson, Ottawa, Rice, and Saline counties, Kansas. These rocks are generally more durable than the other rocks of the region and, together with the more abundant iron oxide cemented sandstones, serve as cap rock of hills and form ledges along valley sides. At several places clusters of large carbonate-cemented concretions have been exposed at the surface by erosion. giving rise to spectacular features, such as "Rock City" near Minneapolis.
Thin sections of samples of indurated sandstones from 31 localities were studied; the results of physical tests and chemical analyses were furnished by the Corps of Engineers, War Department; and both chemical and mechanical analyses of the sand freed of cement were made in the laboratories of the State Geological Survey. The three major types of cement, their sequence and time of introduction, and minor constituents including barite, pyrite, and asphaltic material, are described. An analysis of the petrographic, chemical, and physical test data indicates that the carbonate-cemented sandstones described are good quality rocks, superior to other north-central Kansas rocks, for use as concrete aggregate, riprap, and some other purposes.
Kansas Geological Survey, Geology
Placed on web June 14, 2007; originally published Nov. 1947.
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