
sedimentary
Conglomerate
Clastic sedimentary rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness varies around 6 to 7 due to quartz pebbles; multicolored matrix; dull to earthy luster; poorly sorted rounded fragments cemented by silica or calcite.
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 varies around 6 to 7 due to quartz pebbles; multicolored matrix; dull to earthy luster; poorly sorted rounded fragments cemented by silica or calcite.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the consolidation of gravel and rounded rock fragments deposited by high-energy environments like rivers or beaches over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in construction as crushed aggregate for road base and concrete, and occasionally as decorative facing stone.
Geological facts
Conglomerates are often referred to as 'puddingstones' when the rounded pebbles contrast sharply with a finer-grained matrix.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its distinct visible rounded pebbles embedded in a finer matrix; common in ancient alluvial fan deposits worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary