Sandstone was mined in the past through traditional methods where physical labor was used to extract the stone from the ground. The process involved the following steps:

1. Prospecting: The first step involved identifying a suitable site where sandstone deposits were present.

2. Quarrying: After identifying the site, workers used hand tools such as chisels and hammers to remove the overburden and expose the sandstone deposits.

3. Cutting: The sandstone was cut into blocks of the desired size and shape using saws and chisels.

4. Extraction and Transportation: Workers then extracted the sandstone blocks from the quarry using sledges, ropes, and pulleys. The blocks were loaded onto carts or wagons and transported to the construction site.

5. Finishing: Once the blocks reached the construction site, they were finished by hand using chisels and hammers.

Overall, traditional sandstone mining was a labor-intensive process and involved the use of simple hand tools. With the development of modern machinery and technologies, the process has become more efficient and less labor-intensive.