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Civil Engineering · Q160

Building Materials

Engineering and GATE · Civil Engineering · question 160

Q160

Sandstone is a (i) Sedimentary rock (ii) Aqueous rock (iii) Siliceous rock

A.
Only (i)
B.
Both (i) and (ii)
C.
Both (i) and (iii)
Answer
D.
All (i), (ii) and (iii)

Answer: Option C

Solution

Answer: Option C
Solution:
Correct Answer: Option C: Both (i) and (iii)

(i) Sedimentary rock – ✅ Correct
Sandstone is definitely a sedimentary rock.
It forms through the compaction and cementation of sand-sized mineral particles over time, often in layers.

(ii) Aqueous rock – ❌ Not a standard classification
While sandstone forms in environments involving water (like rivers, lakes, or oceans), the term “aqueous rock” is not a formal geological classification.
In geology, rocks are usually grouped as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.
“Aqueous” may be used descriptively, but not as a standalone rock type.

(iii) Siliceous rock – ✅ Correct
Sandstone is primarily composed of quartz, which is silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
This makes sandstone a siliceous rock due to its high silica content.

Final Conclusion:
Sandstone is a sedimentary and siliceous rock, but not formally an aqueous rock.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Both (i) and (iii).