sublitharenite

geology

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July 14, 2026

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The term "sublitharenite" refers to a type of sandstone. Sandstones are sedimentary rocks composed primarily of sand-sized grains. A sublitharenite is specifically classified by its mineralogy: it contains more rock fragments than feldspar grains, with the rock fragments making up 5 to 25 percent of the composition.1

Lithic arenites, a related category, are distinguished by having over 25 percent rock fragments. These rock fragments often give lithic arenites a gray or salt-and-pepper appearance, commonly derived from slate, phyllite, schist, or volcanic rocks. Sublitharenites and lithic arenites are typically formed in areas experiencing rapid deposition, often linked to geological deformation.21

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sedimentary rock
Classification of sandstones
Sublithic arenites likewise contain more rock fragments than feldspar, but the amount of rock fragments is lower, ranging from 5 to 25 percent. Lithic arenites can be further subdivided according to the nature of the rock fragments, as shown in the smaller triangle of Figure…
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Sublithic arenites likewise contain more rock fragments than feldspar, but the amount of rock fragments is lower, ranging from 5 to 25 percent. Lithic arenites can be further subdivided according to the nature of the rock fragments, as shown in the smaller triangle of Figure…
Read More