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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Jan 8, 2024 · Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock, composed mostly of clay particles and other minerals such as quartz and calcite. It is formed of many thim mineral layers and is typically …

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 …

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.