Shale Definition

Shale

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Definition

Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed by the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles

History

Origin

Discoverer

Johann Gottlob Lehmann

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,

Class

Sedimentary Rocks

Sub-Class

Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock

Family

Group

Other Categories

Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock

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Define Shale

Shale is one of the important type of rocks. If we have to define Shale in general, Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed by the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles. Shale comes under Sedimentary Rocks. All Sedimentary Rocks have similar properties and formation process. Along with Shale Definition, know more about the History of Shale, Etymology of Shale in next sections.

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