sedimentary
Shale
Laminated Mudstone
Hardness 3 (Mohs scale), dark gray to black, dull or earthy luster, layered/fissile structure, smooth texture when split along planes.
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Physical properties
Hardness 3 (Mohs scale), dark gray to black, dull or earthy luster, layered/fissile structure, smooth texture when split along planes.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the compaction of silt and clay-sized mineral particles, typically in low-energy environments like lake beds or deep ocean basins.
Uses & applications
Raw material for the production of brick, tile, and pottery; important source rock for natural gas and petroleum.
Geological facts
Shale is more common than all other types of sedimentary rocks combined. It often contains well-preserved fossils due to the fine-grained nature of the sediment.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its thin layers (fissility) and tendency to break into thin, flat fragments. Common in sedimentary basins worldwide.
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