Argillites are highly compact sedimentary or slightly metamorphosed rocks that consist largely or wholly of particles of clay or silt but lack the fissility of shale or the cleavage characteristic of slate
From Latin Argilla (clay) and -ite in English which became agrilla+ -ite = Argillite
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Dark Grey to Black, Pink, Red, White
Decorative Aggregates, Homes, Interior Decoration
As Building Stone, Garden Decoration, Office Buildings
Used for flooring, stair treads, borders and window sills.
Artifacts, Monuments, Sculpture
Fire resistant, Used to manufracture paperweights and bookends
Is one of the oldest rock
Archaeological Significance
An argillite is a fine-grained sedimentary rock mainly composed of clay particles which forms from lithified muds which contain variable amounts of silt-sized particles.
Biotite, Chlorite, Feldspar, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Plagioclase, Pyrite, Quartz
Iron(III) Oxide, Potassium Oxide, MgO, Silicon Dioxide
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant
Deposits in Eastern Continents
Bangladesh, China, India, Russia
Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania
Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland
Deposits in Western Continents
Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
Deposits in Oceania Continent
New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia
Information about Argillite
Rocks are naturally occurring solids which are composed of minerals & have been used by humans since ages. From Stone Age, rocks are used for various purposes. Also, the metals and minerals found in rock play an important role in our life. Get to know all the Argillite Uses. We have provided you with all information about Argillite rock here. Argillites are highly compact sedimentary or slightly metamorphosed rocks that consist largely or wholly of particles of clay or silt but lack the fissility of shale or the cleavage characteristic of slate. Argillite is available in dark grey to black, pink, red, white colors. The streak of a rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Argillite is white to grey. Get to know more about Argillite rock and characteristics of Argillite rock in the next sections.