Sedimentary Rocks

Types of Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of sediments. They are usually deposited in layers in water or on land. Sedimentary rocks cover most of the Earth's surface. Famous examples include Limestone, Sandstone, Coal, and Chalk.

Limestone

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Clastic or Non-Clastic

Appearance: Rough and Banded

Diatomite

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Clastic or Non-Clastic

Appearance: Soft

Siltstone

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Clastic

Appearance: Rough

Arkose

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Clastic

Appearance: Rough and Dull

Oil shale

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Splintery

Appearance: Muddy

Laterite

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Earthy, Massive, Porphyritic

Appearance: Rough and Banded

Oolite

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Clastic or Non-Clastic

Appearance: Rounded and Rough

Breccia

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Brecciated, Clastic

Appearance: Layered, Banded, Veined and Shiny

Lignite

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Amorphous, Glassy

Appearance: Veined or Pebbled

Chert

Class: Sedimentary Rocks

Texture: Banded, Rough

Appearance: Glassy or Pearly

Other Notable Sedimentary Rocks

Sandstone, Coal, Chalk, Mudstone, Shale, Dolomite, Conglomerate, Marl, Greywacke, Claystone, Travertine, Coquina.

You may also be interested in Igneous Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks.