Abstract: A soil consolidation composition and method of use involving an aqueous composition of an alkali metal silicate and a gelling agent, the composition having a viscosity sufficiently low (about 1 or 2 cps) so that it can penetrate to a pre-determined depth in a friable sandstone substrate to consolidate the substrate with the concentration of the silicate being sufficient to be gelled by the gelling agent after achievement of the penetration into the substrate.