sedimentary
Shale
Clastic sedimentary rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 3, gray to black color, dull luster, very fine-grained and fissile crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.0 to 2.7.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 3, gray to black color, dull luster, very fine-grained and fissile crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.0 to 2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the compaction of silt and clay-sized mineral particles in quiet depositional environments like lakes or ocean basins over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in the manufacturing of bricks, tiles, and cement, and as a source rock for oil and natural gas.
Geological facts
Shale is the most common sedimentary rock on Earth, making up over half of all sedimentary rock strata.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its fine laminae and tendency to split easily into thin, parallel layers; found worldwide in sedimentary basins.
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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
Shale
Fissile Sedimentary Rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary