The BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units — Result Details

Craigleith Sandstone

Computer Code: CGH Preferred Map Code: notEntered
Status Code: Full
Age range: Asbian Substage (CR) — Asbian Substage (CR)
Lithological Description: An off-white, typically fine-grained, siliceous sandstone, often thickly bedded with trough cross-bedding, and a little mica or carbonaceous material, famous as a building stone.
Definition of Lower Boundary: Status uncertain, but likely to be erosive on underlying argillaceous and arenaceous rocks of the Gullane formation.
Definition of Upper Boundary: Transitional by upward fining into non-marine siltstone and mudstone of the Gullane Formation, the Craigleith Marine Band lies a little further above.
Thickness: Up to 105m thick, in the City of Edinburgh.
Geographical Limits: Only known for certain in the Edinburgh area.
Parent Unit: Gullane Formation (GUL)
Previous Name(s): none recorded or not applicable
Alternative Name(s): Granton Sandstones
Stratotypes:
Type Section  Craigleth Quarry. Regionally Important Geological Site. 
Reference(s):
Mitchell, G H. 1962. The geology of the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. (Explanation of Sheet 32) Third Edition. (Reprinted 1980). Memoir of the Geological Survey of Great Britain (Scotland). 
1:50K maps on which the lithostratigraphical unit is found, and map code used:
S032