Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of sediments.

There are three basic types of sedimentary rocks:

1) clastic sedimentary rocks such as breccia, conglomerate, sandstone and shale, that are formed from mechanical
weathering debris; 2) chemical sedimentary rocks such as rock salt and some limestones, that form when
dissolved materials precipitate from solution; and, 3)organic sedimentary rocks such as coal and some limestones
which form from the accumulation of plant or animal debris. Pictures and brief descriptions of some common
sedimentary rock types are shown below.
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Sedimentary Rock Types Menu

Breccia Chert Coal Conglomerate Iron Ore

Limestone Rock Salt Sandstone Shale Siltstone

Breccia

Breccia is a clastic sedimentary rock that is composed of large (over two millimeter diameter) angular fragments. The
spaces between the large fragments can be filled with a matrix of smaller particles or a mineral cement which binds
the rock together. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Chert

Chert is a microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline sedimentary rock material composed of silicon dioxide (SiO 2). It occurs
as nodules and concretionary masses and less frequently as a layered deposit. It breaks with a conchoidal fracture,
often producing very sharp edges. Early people took advantage of how chert breaks and used it to fashion cutting
tools and weapons. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Coal
Coal is an organic sedimentary rock that forms mainly from plant debris. The plant debris usually accumulates in a
swamp environment. Coal is combustible and is often mined for use as a fuel. The specimen shown above is about
two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Conglomerate
Conglomerate is a clastic sedimentary rock that contains large (greater then two millimeters in diameter) rounded
particles. The space between the pebbles is generally filled with smaller particles and/or a chemical cement that
binds the rock together. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Iron Ore
Iron Ore is a chemical sedimentary rock that forms when iron and oxygen (and sometimes other substances)
combine in solution and deposit as a sediment. Hematite (shown above) is the most common sedimentary iron ore
mineral. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Limestone
Limestone is a rock that is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It can form organically from the accumulation of
shell, coral, algal and fecal debris. It can also form chemically from the precipitation of calcium carbonate from lake or
ocean water. Limestone is used in many ways. Some of the most common are: production of cement, crushed stone
and acid neutralization. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Rock Salt
Rock Salt is a chemical sedimentary rock that forms from the evaporation of ocean or saline lake waters. It is also
known by the mineral name "halite". It is rarely found at Earth's surface, except in areas of very arid climate. It is often
mined for use in the chemical industry or for use as a winter highway treatment. Some halite is processed for use as
a seasoning for food. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Sandstone
Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock made up mainly of sand-size (1/16 to 2 millimeter diameter) weathering
debris. Environments where large amounts of sand can accumulate include beaches, deserts, flood plains and deltas.
The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.
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Shale
Shale is a clastic sedimentary rock that is made up of clay-size (less then 1/256 millimeter in diameter) weathering
debris. It typically breaks into thin flat pieces. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters)
across.
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Siltstone
Siltstone is a clastic sedimentary rock that forms from silt-size (between 1/256 and 1/16 millimeter diameter)
weathering debris. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.