1 Definition
1.1 Definition
Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed by the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles
Metapelite is an old and currently not widely used field geological term for a clay rich fine-grained clastic sediment or sedimentary rock, i.e. mud or a mudstone
1.2 History
1.2.1 Origin
1.2.2 Discoverer
1.3 Etymology
From German Schalstein laminated limestone, and Schalgebirge layer of stone in stratified rock. From Old English scealu in its base sense of- thing that divides or separate,
From Pelos or clay in Greek
1.4 Class
Sedimentary Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
1.4.1 Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock
1.5 Family
1.5.1 Group
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1.6 Other Categories
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Coarse Grained Rock, Fine Grained Rock, Medium Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
2 Texture
2.1 Texture
Clastic, Splintery
Foliated
2.2 Color
Black, Brown, Buff, Green, Grey, Red, Yellow
Dark Greenish - Grey, Green, Light Green, Light Greenish Grey
2.3 Maintenance
2.4 Durability
2.4.1 Water Resistant
2.4.2 Scratch Resistant
2.4.3 Stain Resistant
2.4.4 Wind Resistant
2.4.5 Acid Resistant
2.5 Appearance
3 Uses
3.1 Architecture
3.1.1 Interior Uses
Decorative Aggregates, Homes, Interior Decoration
Decorative Aggregates, Interior Decoration
3.1.2 Exterior Uses
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Office Buildings
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone
3.1.3 Other Architectural Uses
3.2 Industry
3.2.1 Construction Industry
Cement Manufacture, Construction Aggregate, for Road Aggregate, Making natural cement, Raw material for the manufacture of mortar
Cement Manufacture, Construction Aggregate, for Road Aggregate
3.2.2 Medical Industry
Not Yet Used
Not Yet Used
3.3 Antiquity Uses
Artifacts, Sculpture
Artifacts
3.4 Other Uses
3.4.1 Commercial Uses
Creating Artwork, Pottery
Commemorative Tablets, Creating Artwork
4 Types
4.1 Types
Red Shale, Black Shale, Green Shale, Grey Shale and Yellow Shale
Not Available
4.2 Features
Easily splits into thin plates, Generally rough to touch, Very fine grained rock
Easily splits into thin plates, It is One of the Oldest, Strongest and Hardest Rock
4.3 Archaeological Significance
4.3.1 Monuments
4.3.2 Famous Monuments
Jantar Mantar in India
Not Applicable
4.3.3 Sculpture
4.3.4 Famous Sculptures
Data Not Available
Not Applicable
4.3.5 Pictographs
4.3.6 Petroglyphs
4.3.7 Figurines
4.4 Fossils
5 Formation
5.1 Formation
Shale forms when very fine-grained clay particles are deposited in water which settle at the bottom of water bodies. They are later compacted hence forming shale.
Due to change in environmental conditions, rocks are heated and pressurized deep inside the Earth's surface. Metapelite is formed from the extreme heat caused by magma or by the intense collisions and friction of tectonic plates.
5.2 Composition
5.2.1 Mineral Content
Albite, Biotite, Calcite, Chert, Chlorite, Dolomite, Hematite, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Pyrite, Quartz, Silica, Sulfides
Albite, Chlorite, Quartz
5.2.2 Compound Content
Ca, Fe, Mg, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium
Aluminium Oxide, CaO, MgO
5.3 Transformation
5.3.1 Metamorphism
5.3.2 Types of Metamorphism
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
5.3.3 Weathering
5.3.4 Types of Weathering
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering
5.3.5 Erosion
5.3.6 Types of Erosion
Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Glacier Erosion
Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion
6 Properties
6.1 Physical Properties
6.1.1 Hardness
6.1.2 Grain Size
Very fine-grained
Medium to Fine Coarse Grained
6.1.3 Fracture
6.1.4 Streak
6.1.5 Porosity
Highly Porous
Highly Porous
6.1.6 Luster
6.1.7 Compressive Strength
6.1.8 Cleavage
6.1.9 Toughness
6.1.10 Specific Gravity
6.1.11 Transparency
6.1.12 Density
2.4-2.8 g/cm30-300 g/cm3
0
1400
6.2 Thermal Properties
6.2.1 Specific Heat Capacity
0.39 kJ/Kg K0.72 kJ/Kg K
0.14
3.2
6.2.2 Resistance
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant, Pressure Resistant
7 Reserves
7.1 Deposits in Eastern Continents
7.1.1 Asia
Bangladesh, China, India, Russia
Not Yet Found
7.1.2 Africa
Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania
Western Africa
7.1.3 Europe
Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland
United Kingdom
7.1.4 Others
Not Yet Found
Not Yet Found
7.2 Deposits in Western Continents
7.2.1 North America
7.2.2 South America
Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador
7.3 Deposits in Oceania Continent
7.3.1 Australia
New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia
Central Australia, Western Australia