sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 (Mohs scale), Color: Dark grey to black, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Structure: Fissile/Laminated, Cleavage: Parallel to bedding planes
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Shale in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale), Color: Dark grey to black, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Structure: Fissile/Laminated, Cleavage: Parallel to bedding planes
Formation & geological history
Formed by the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles (mud) in slow-moving water environments like lake bottoms or deep ocean basins.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacture of cement, brick, and tile. Significant as a source rock for oil and natural gas (shale gas).
Geological facts
Shale is the most common sedimentary rock in the Earth's crust. It often contains abundant fossils and is the primary source for hydrocarbon extraction through fracking.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its thin layers (fissility) and tendency to split easily along flat planes. Found globally in sedimentary basins.
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
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary