Sedimentary Rocks

 Return to Geology Index Page

There are four families of sedimentary rocks. These families include compacted, clastic/conglomerate, organic and chemical/evaporate rocks.

         

       Sedimentary Rock Samples

Compacted Sedimentary Rocks are formed when layers of sediment squeeze down on the lower layers of sediment and force out water and so tightly pack the grains together that the sediment solidifies into rock. These rocks have a visible characteristic layering.

     Compacted Sedimentary Rock  

Clastic/Conglomerate are sedimentary rocks which are pieces of other rocks such as pebbles and these pebbles are glued together with "Calcite" nature's glue. These rocks have chunky peanut brittle look to them.

 

  Clastic/Conglomerate Sedimentary Rock

Organic Sedimentary Rocks are rocks that are formed with once living material such as seashells or plant material. These rocks look black like coal or very sandy gritty look much like a granola bar.

    

                                                Organic Sedimentary Rocks

Chemical/Evaporate Sedimentary Rocks are often white pink and powered. They form when water evaporates leaving the precipitate behind which is compacted into rock. These rocks often form out chemical solution when water evaporates the precipitate compact.

Chemical/Evaporate Sedimentary Rock