Shale

By: The Geology Toolkit team (The Open University)

Posted under Geology

A brief description of the nature of shale

28 Sep

2006

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Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock. It can be black, grey, brown or greenish/bluish. It is usually quite flaky.

Shale Copyrighted Image The Open University

How is it formed?
Shale is formed in the same way as mudstone: when clay particles settle to the floor in quiet lakes and lagoons. Shale is more flaky than mudstone.

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The Geology Toolkit team (The Open University)

Get to know the rocks beneath your feet with the Geology Toolkit from The Open University.

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Article Information

Publication details

Originally published:

Wednesday, 27th September 2006

Last Updated on:

Thursday, 28th September 2006

Copyright information
• Body text - Copyright: The Open University
• Image 'Shale' - Copyright: The Open University

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