BH250-144
Title
BH250-144
Subject
Jordan Sandstone
Description
Major Mineral: quartz, dominant (~95% or more); grains are typically well-rounded and well-sorted.
Minor Minerals: feldspar
BH250-144 – Jordan Sandstone
BH250-144 is a sample from the Jordan Sandstone, a well-known sedimentary unit within the Upper Cambrian sequence of the Upper Midwest, particularly prominent in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of Iowa. The Jordan Sandstone is one of the most mature sandstones in the region and has been extensively studied for its geologic, hydrologic, and economic significance.
Cement:
Commonly silica cement and iron oxide staining may be present in some beds.
Maturity: Texturally mature: Grains are well-sorted and rounded, indicating significant transport and reworking. Compositionally mature: Predominantly quartz with very few lithic fragments or feldspars. This high degree of maturity reflects deposition in high-energy coastal, longshore, or possibly eolian environments.
Common sedimentary structures include cross-bedding and ripple marks.
Hydrogeologic Importance: The Jordan Sandstone Aquifer is one of the most productive aquifers in Minnesota. It supplies water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes, especially in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and southeastern Minnesota. Known for its high porosity and permeability, particularly in uncemented or lightly cemented zones.
Industrial Use
The Jordan Sandstone is a major source of frac sand.
Its high-purity, durability, and rounded quartz grains make it ideal as proppant material used in hydraulic fracturing operations across the U.S.
For more information see, BH250 – Sandstone Overview with Petrographic Notes
Minor Minerals: feldspar
BH250-144 – Jordan Sandstone
BH250-144 is a sample from the Jordan Sandstone, a well-known sedimentary unit within the Upper Cambrian sequence of the Upper Midwest, particularly prominent in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of Iowa. The Jordan Sandstone is one of the most mature sandstones in the region and has been extensively studied for its geologic, hydrologic, and economic significance.
Cement:
Commonly silica cement and iron oxide staining may be present in some beds.
Maturity: Texturally mature: Grains are well-sorted and rounded, indicating significant transport and reworking. Compositionally mature: Predominantly quartz with very few lithic fragments or feldspars. This high degree of maturity reflects deposition in high-energy coastal, longshore, or possibly eolian environments.
Common sedimentary structures include cross-bedding and ripple marks.
Hydrogeologic Importance: The Jordan Sandstone Aquifer is one of the most productive aquifers in Minnesota. It supplies water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes, especially in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and southeastern Minnesota. Known for its high porosity and permeability, particularly in uncemented or lightly cemented zones.
Industrial Use
The Jordan Sandstone is a major source of frac sand.
Its high-purity, durability, and rounded quartz grains make it ideal as proppant material used in hydraulic fracturing operations across the U.S.
For more information see, BH250 – Sandstone Overview with Petrographic Notes
Coverage
Location: Red Wing, Minnesota, USA
GPS Coordinates: 44°33'38.69"N, 92°31'34.51"W
GPS Coordinates: 44°33'38.69"N, 92°31'34.51"W
Creator
Bereket Haileab
Source
From the rock collection of Bereket Haileab. Sample 144. Housed at Carleton College in Minnesota.
Type
Thin section
Relation
Collection
Citation
Bereket Haileab, “BH250-144,” BH250 Mineralogy Teaching Collection, accessed April 26, 2026, https://bereket-haileab.geology.sites.carleton.edu/items/show/171.