Sandstone arch, small Arizona Sierra

Sandstone arch, small Arizona SierraLocale: Arizona Approx size and weight variable by piece; dimensions at end These sandstone arches mimic the grand arches of Utahs national parks. They are made of Arizona Sierra sandstone sourced from central Arizona. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand compacted and cemented together through geological processes, giving it a grainy texture. Sandstone with distinct layering like this is often called picture stone because the layers

Locale: Arizona

Approx size and weight  variable by piece; dimensions at end

These sandstone arches mimic the grand arches of Utah’s national parks. They are made of Arizona Sierra sandstone sourced from central Arizona.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand compacted and cemented together through geological processes, giving it a grainy texture. Sandstone with distinct layering like this is often called ‘picture stone’ because the layers resemble a southwestern landscape. It is often cut into flat slabs to best show the layering, and nicer pieces are even framed for display.

The orange-red coloration of these arches is caused by iron. People often assume “Arizona Sierra” simply refers to the material’s locale, but it’s actually a trade name for sandstone from this locale that has been heat-treated to intensify its red color. 

These arches are made by drilling a hole through a chunk of sandstone and sandblasting the material into a smoothed arch. The dark iron bands are harder than the surrounding sandstone and create ridges as the softer material is more quickly sandblasted away—just like the material would erode in nature. All pieces have a flat bottom for display.

Sandstone arches make a nice decorative accent piece around the home or in a desert terrarium. I put a few pieces I broke into my tanks and the isopods have enjoyed climbing them. Just be aware sandstone is a porous rock that will soak up water over time if used in wetter terrariums. This doesn’t seem to cause any issues other than some discoloration and spotty “growth” on the rock over time. Place it on a surface that will stay dry to avoid this.

Approx. weight: 1/2–1 lb
Approx. dimensions:
A - 3.5 x 3.5 x 1"
B - 3.5 x 3 x 1.5"
C - 4 x 2.75 x 1.75"
D - 4 x 2 x 1"
E - 3.5 x 3 x 1.5"
F - 5.5 x 2 x 1"
G - 3.5 x 2.5 x 1"
H - 3.25 x 3 x 1"