Shale is the protolith of slate.
Properties |
|
| Rock group | Sedimentary |
| Origin | Clastic |
| Particle size Wentworth | ≤ 62.5 µm |
| Special properties | Fissile; splits along bedding planes |
Shale in Hand Sample
Shale is often fossiliferous, frequently preserves sedimentary structures such as crossbedding and mudcracks, and comes in varying shades of grey, tan, black, and red.
Fossils in Millboro Formation shale from West Virginia
Mudcracks and raindrop impressions in a red shale
Shale in Thin Section
Laminated shale, crossed polars
