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.

Jan 16, 2026 · 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 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 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 …

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 one of the most common types of sedimentary rock primarily composed of clay and silt particles. It forms through the compaction of these fine particles over millions of years in calm …

Oct 5, 2025 · Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock, and it is the most common sedimentary rock on Earth. It is composed of compacted silt and clay-sized mineral particles, forming a rock …

Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed primarily of clay minerals and other clay-sized particles of minerals like quartz and calcite. It is laminated and fissile, easily breaking along bedding …