Shale

Shale is a sedimentary rock in the class known as detrital sedimentary rocks. It consists of silt- and clay-sized particles and accounts for well over half of all sedimentary rocks. The tiny particle sizes make the granular structure difficult to see with the naked eye, but microscopic examination of the nature and size of the grains gives information about the formation process.

Sedimentary Rocks
Index

Reference
Lutgens and Tarbuck
Ch 6
 
HyperPhysics***** Geophysics R Nave
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Mudstone

The term mudstone is used for sedimentary rock in the class known as detrital sedimentary rocks. Like shale, it consists of tiny particles which make the granular structure difficult to see with the naked eye. It tends to break up into clumps or blocks. Mudstones are found in the Chinle Formation above the Grand Canyon, and the low, rounded hills of Arizona's Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park.

Sedimentary Rocks
Index

Reference
Lutgens and Tarbuck
Ch 6
 
HyperPhysics***** Geophysics R Nave
Go Back