Shale
Shale
Shale (/ʃeɪl/; from Old English scealu, "husk") is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments (silt-sized particles) of other minerals, especially quartz and calcite.
Etymology
The term shale is derived from the Old English word scealu, meaning "husk". It was first used in the early 14th century to describe a rock that splits into thin layers or plates.
Description
Shale is characterized by its tendency to split into thin layers less than one centimeter in thickness. This property is called fissility. Shale is the most common sedimentary rock and is found in sedimentary basins worldwide.
Composition
Shale typically contains varying amounts of clay minerals and quartz. It may also contain other minerals such as calcite, feldspar, and iron oxide. The exact composition of shale can vary widely depending on its source material and the conditions under which it was formed.
Formation
Shale forms from the compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles that we commonly call "mud". This process is known as lithification. The mud originates from weathered and eroded rocks, both igneous and sedimentary.
Uses
Shale is used in a variety of ways, including as a source of oil and natural gas through a process known as hydraulic fracturing or "fracking". It is also used in the manufacture of brick, cement, and ceramic tiles.
Related Terms
- Sedimentary rock
- Clay minerals
- Quartz
- Calcite
- Fissility
- Lithification
- Hydraulic fracturing
- Oil shale
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Shale
- Wikipedia's article - Shale
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