sedimentary
Conglomerate
Clastic Sedimentary Rock (Conglomerate)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3-7 (variable based on clasts/matrix); Color: Tan/beige matrix with dark rounded clasts; Luster: Dull/earthy; Structure: Clastic with rounded grains >2mm.
- Hardness
- 3-7 (variable based on clasts/matrix)
- Color
- Tan/beige matrix with dark rounded clasts
- Luster
- Dull/earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Conglomerate in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-7 (variable based on clasts/matrix); Color: Tan/beige matrix with dark rounded clasts; Luster: Dull/earthy; Structure: Clastic with rounded grains >2mm.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the lithification of rounded gravel and pebbles, typically in high-energy environments like riverbeds, alluvial fans, or beaches where water action rounds the stones over time.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as aggregate in the construction industry for concrete and road beds; sometimes used as decorative dimension stone.
Geological facts
Conglomerate is often called 'puddingstone' because it looks like raisins or nuts in a pudding. It is a key indicator of ancient river systems or coastal environments in the geologic record.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for rounded rock fragments (clasts) cemented together in a finer-grained matrix. Found globally in basins where sediment is deposited by moving water.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary