sedimentary
Shale fragment
Shale (clay mineral rich sedimentary rock)
Hardness ~2-3 Mohs, dark gray to black, earthy to dull luster, fine-grained microcrystalline texture, fissile structure
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Physical properties
Hardness ~2-3 Mohs, dark gray to black, earthy to dull luster, fine-grained microcrystalline texture, fissile structure
Formation & geological history
Formed by the compaction and cementation of fine-grained mud, silt, and clay minerals in quiet water environments like lakebeds or deep ocean floors over millions of years
Uses & applications
Used in the production of brick, tile, and Portland cement; source rock for natural gas and petroleum
Geological facts
Shale is the most common sedimentary rock on Earth, accounting for over half of all sedimentary rocks in the geological record
Field identification & locations
Identified by its fine grain size, dark color, softness, and thin layering (fissility) that easily splits apart; widely found in sedimentary basins globally
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