sedimentary
Fossiliferous Shale
Fossiliferous Mudstone / Shale
Hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, earthy or dull luster, gray to brown color, fine-grained clastic texture with prominent planar lamination (fissility), and contains visible fossil impressions or carbonized remains.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, earthy or dull luster, gray to brown color, fine-grained clastic texture with prominent planar lamination (fissility), and contains visible fossil impressions or carbonized remains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and compaction of fine-grained silt and clay-sized mineral particles in quiet aquatic environments such as lakes, lagoons, or deep marine basins, often dating from various geological periods ranging from the Paleozoic to the Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for scientific research, paleontology education, and as display specimens for fossil collectors. Shale is also a source rock for hydrocarbons.
Geological facts
Shale makes up over half of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. The dark elongate impression visible on this specimen is likely a fossilized plant fragment, leaf, or graptolite preserved as a carbon film.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its fine layers that easily split apart (fissility) and the presence of embedded fossils. Found worldwide in sedimentary basins.
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