Abstract: The Silurian Fentou Formation is widely distributed in Wuhan, and formation consists of mainly argillaceous siltstone, siltstone, and silty mudstone in the area. Based on the microscopic thin section mineral composition identification, rock sample description and uniaxial compressive strength tests, the mineral composition and the engineering properties of quartz fine sandstone and quartz sandstone with bedrock in the Wuhan area of the Fentou Formation are comprehensively studied. The results showed high quartz and feldspar contents in the bedrock mineral composition and high saturated uniaxial compressive strength in the engineering properties. These characteristics are obviously different from the mudstone of the Fentou Formation. However, they are similar in appearance, which is the reason for easily misclassification of the bedrock. It should be determined as the fine sandstone rather than the mudstone. The exposure of the quartz fine sandstone and the quartz sandstone with rock debris has enriched the bed rock types and stratigraphic relationships of the Fentou Formation in Wuhan. Based on the types and the characteristics of fossils in the lower layers of the Fentou Formation, the geological age of the Fentou Formation in Wuhan should be Early Silurian.

Key words: Sandstone, Silurian, Rock Mineral Identification, Fentou Formation, Wuhan