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What are the characteristic of sedimentary rock?

Updated: 11/20/2021
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7y ago

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Sedimentary rock has several characteristics which make it possible to distinguish from other rock types.

Clastic sedimentary rock is composed of particles of previously existing rock. The most common example of this would be sandstone, a rock composed of cemented particles of sand where the texture can be seen and felt. The particles in clastic rock need not be sorted or homogenous however. Conglomerate and breccia are also clastic sedimentary rock where different cemented rock fragments are easily visible and may vary greatly in size and lithography. Stratification is also visible in many clastic sedimentary rocks. The stratification (layering) is due to cyclical, event based, or origin based deposition of sediments.

Organic sedimentary rocks like coal and some limestones are partially or wholly derived from the life processes of organisms and that fact may be reflected in an abundance of fossils appearing in the rock. Fossils are not found in igneous rock or metamorphic rock except in very rare instances due to unusual circumstances. Normally, the discovery of a fossil is a good indication that the rock is sedimentary.

Sedimentary rocks couldbe, or exhibit:

  • Sedimentary layers from cyclical deposition.
  • The presence of fossil organisms.
  • Be derived from organic processes (like coal).
  • Be more porous and less dense than other rock types.
  • Reaction to dilute acids.
  • Formed of particles of other rock fragments.
  • Fine grained.
  • Created by evaporation of saturated solutions.

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Isidro O'Keefe

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2y ago
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9y ago

Sedimentary rock has several characteristics which make it possible to distinguish from other rock types.

Clastic sedimentary rock is composed of particles of previously existing rock. The most common example of this would be sandstone, a rock composed of cemented particles of sand where the texture can be seen and felt. The particles in clastic rock need not be sorted or homogenous however. Conglomerate and breccia are also clastic sedimentary rock where different cemented rock fragments are easily visible and may vary greatly in size and lithography. Stratification is also visible in many clastic sedimentary rocks. The stratification (layering) is due to cyclical, event based, or origin based deposition of sediments.

Organic sedimentary rocks like coal and some limestones are partially or wholly derived from the life processes of organisms and that fact may be reflected in an abundance of fossils appearing in the rock. Fossils are not found in igneous rock or metamorphic rock except in very rare instances due to unusual circumstances. Normally, the discovery of a fossil is a good indication that the rock is sedimentary.

Sedimentary rocks could be, or exhibit:

  • Sedimentary layers from cyclical deposition.
  • The presence of fossil organisms.
  • Be derived from organic processes (like coal).
  • Be more porous and less dense than other rock types.
  • Reaction to dilute acids.
  • Formed of particles of other rock fragments.
  • Fine grained.
  • Created by evaporation of saturated solutions.
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