Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock formed from mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals (hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, e.g., kaolin, Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4) and tiny fragments (silt -sized …

shale, any of a group of fine-grained, laminated sedimentary rocks consisting of silt- and clay-sized particles. Shale is the most abundant of the sedimentary rocks, accounting for roughly 70 percent of …

Shale is the most abundant sedimentary rock. It is found in sedimentary basins worldwide.

Oct 28, 2015 · Explore the structure and origin of shale. Learn how it's formed from clay and silt and its role in Earth's sedimentary layers.

Shale is the most common sedimentary rock type, constituting approximately 70% of exposed sedimentary rock on Earth. Shale is characterized by its laminated structure, with thin, parallel layers …

Jan 5, 2023 · Shale is the most abundant of all sedimentary rocks. It is composed primarily of soft clay minerals, but may include variable amounts of organic matter, calcareous material, and quartz …

May 9, 2019 · Below is a fully detailed and globally relevant overview of shale, including its formation, composition, properties, varieties, fossil content, economic significance, and geological role.

Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock that forms from the compaction of silt and clay-sized particles. It is primarily composed of clay minerals and often contains organic material, making it significant in …

Shale is a fine-grained clastic sedimentary rock composed of clay-sized particles. It is the most common sedimentary rock and forms from the accumulation and compaction of mud in quiet water environments.

Jul 30, 2025 · The composition of shale is dominated by clay minerals, such as kaolinite, illite, and smectite, along with varying amounts of quartz, feldspar, carbonate minerals, and organic matter. A …