<p>Understanding the effects of cryogenic environment on the mechanical properties of sandstone is essential for utilizing abandoned wells and tunnels as potential host rocks for liquified natural gas (LNG) storage, ensuring their safety and stability. To investigate the mechanical properties of sandstones with different porosities and mineral compositions under cryogenic conditions, five types of sandstone specimens with varying porosities were selected and prepared in both dry and saturated states. Uniaxial compressive tests and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were conducted under three conditions: room temperature, real-time cryogenic conditions, and after a single cryogenic cycle. Results indicate that cryogenic condition significantly enhances the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of sandstone, particularly in saturated specimens, where strength increased up to sixfold. After one cryogenic temperature cycle, the strength of dry specimens decreased, whereas the strength of saturated specimens slightly increased. Under all three conditions, the mechanical properties of sandstone decreased with increasing porosity, but mineral composition also had a significant effect on mechanical performance. Quartz exhibited the highest strength among sandstone minerals; generally, higher quartz content corresponded to greater overall sandstone strength. Clay minerals such as kaolinite and montmorillonite also positively contributed to strength improvement, and variations in the proportions of these minerals significantly influenced sandstone mechanical properties. Through systematic experiments and analyses, the study revealed mechanisms underlying changes in the mechanical properties of sandstone with different porosities and mineral compositions under cryogenic conditions, providing theoretical support for utilizing sandstone in abandoned mines as host rocks for LNG storage facilities.</p>