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 is a sedimentary rock composed predominantly of clay-sized particles. Most of the particles are clay minerals, but other fine-grained clastic materials are normally present. Shale is formed by the …

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, 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 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.

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 distinguished …

Aug 2, 2020 · Shale is the most common sedimentary rock, accounting for about 70 percent of the rock found in the Earth's crust. It is a fine-grained clastic sedimentary rock made of compacted mud …