lithic arenite
lithic arenite, sandstone (i.e., sedimentary rock composed of grains 0.06β2 mm [0.0024β0.08 inch] in diameter) containing over 50 percent rock fragments. Lithic arenites most often are of gray or salt-and-pepper colour because of the inclusion of dark rock fragments, mainly slate, phyllite, or schist but also andesite or basalt. Lithic arenites formed by rapid deposition in areas subject to crustal deformation.
This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.
Citation Information
Article Title:
lithic arenite
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
08 December 2006
Access Date:
November 14, 2026