Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed by the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles
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,
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Black, Brown, Buff, Green, Grey, Red, Yellow
Decorative Aggregates, Homes, Interior Decoration
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Office Buildings
Cement Manufacture, Construction Aggregate, for Road Aggregate, Making natural cement, Raw material for the manufacture of mortar
Creating Artwork, Pottery
Red Shale, Black Shale, Green Shale, Grey Shale and Yellow Shale
Easily splits into thin plates, Generally rough to touch, Very fine grained rock
Archaeological Significance
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.
Albite, Biotite, Calcite, Chert, Chlorite, Dolomite, Hematite, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Pyrite, Quartz, Silica, Sulfides
Ca, Fe, Mg, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering
Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Glacier Erosion
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 Shale
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 Shale Uses. We have provided you with all information about Shale rock here. Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed by the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles. Shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors. The streak of a rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Shale is white. Get to know more about Shale rock and characteristics of Shale rock in the next sections.