Petrographic Analysis and Classification of Sand and Sandstone

Quantitative petrographic analysis of sand and sandstone is an important way of petrology and it contributes to study the source area and background of sediments and the characteristic of sedimentary basin. In the past few decades, geologists have made a lot of progresses on quantitative debris particle statistics and its potential geological significance, such as the relationships between sedimentary debris and source rock, the effects of sedimentary process on debris compositions, the correlations between debris composition and tectonic setting. However, the systematic summary of quantitative petrographic analysis and classifications are scarce, which leads to misunderstandings or even mistakes in practice. Based on the previous literature, in the paper, it systematically describes the quantitative petrographic analysis of sand and sandstone and recommends the best classification naming scheme. This study intends to establish a uniform standard to promote the reliability of debris particle statistics and comparability of the data. Meanwhile, it also discusses applicability of sandstone tectonic background discrimination diagram. Although the diagrams are an effective way to show statistical results of sandstone debris components, it should be used with caution when applied to discriminate the tectonic setting. The best way to discriminate the tectonic setting is to conduct a comprehensive discussion based on the characteristics of the rock itself and other data.