Shale

Shale

Shale is a compact, hard rock that has a tendency to split into flat fragments. It is usually gray, but can be red or brown if iron oxide minerals are present. Shale sometimes contains fossils. Minerals found in shale include kaolinite and mica. Shale develops from sediments at the bottoms of lakes and oceans. It is used to make pottery, ceramics, and bricks. [LM] {CC}