sedimentary
Conglomerate
Conglomerate (Clastic sedimentary rock)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (variable based on clasts); Color: Brown, tan, and grey with embedded rounded pebbles; Luster: Dull/Earthy matrix with waxy or vitreous clasts; Structure: Clastic; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Brown, tan, and grey with embedded rounded pebbles
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy matrix with waxy or vitreous clasts
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: 6.5-7 (variable based on clasts); Color: Brown, tan, and grey with embedded rounded pebbles; Luster: Dull/Earthy matrix with waxy or vitreous clasts; Structure: Clastic; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through the lithification of rounded gravel and pebbles. These sediments are typically deposited in high-energy environments such as fast-flowing rivers or beaches where water action rounds the stones over long periods.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in the construction industry as fill material, road base, or decorative stone. Sometimes used in ornamental landscaping.
Geological facts
Conglomerates are like 'nature's concrete.' The rounded shape of the internal stones (clasts) distinguishes it from Breccia, which contains sharp, angular fragments.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for a 'pudding stone' appearance where large, rounded stones are cemented into a finer-grained matrix. Common in riverbeds and ancient alluvial plains.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary