Sample #6
Rock Type: Sedimentary
Composition: Grains of clay
Particle size: Fine grained, clay sized
Hardness: Soft, mohs 3
Environment: Shale sediments are deposited in still water (low energy) such as a lake or a deep, slow river.
Environment: Shale sediments are deposited in still water (low energy) such as a lake or a deep, slow river.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Dull, it can be reddish- brown to grey in colour. Very fine grains (smooth to the touch), breaks easily along horizontal plains. If an edge is dipped in water and drawn along a surface, shale will leave a muddy streak. Sometimes shale can smell oily.
Uses: Shale can be used as a raw material for brick manufacturing. Shale is also a source rock for many fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Today shale deposits can be fractured (fracted) to release the natural gas or oil trapped within its pores.
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