Sedimentary rocks are formed from layers of sediment that have been compacted and cemented together over time. They often have visible layers or bands, and can contain fossils or other remnants of past environments. Sedimentary rocks can come in a variety of colors and textures, depending on the types of sediment that were deposited and the conditions under which they formed.
== == Sedimentary rocks may exhibit strata, or layering. Sandstones will have visible sand grains. Limestones will fizz when placed in vinegar. Fossils usually only appear in sedimentary rocks. A rock made of an assortment of other rocks is usually sedimentary.
Look for signs of banding or layering that would be evidence of sedimentary strata. Banding also occurs in metamorphic rocks, but the bands may be very distinct in color from one another. If the rock scratches with a knife, it may be sedimentary. High silica content in some igneous rocks may prevent scratching with a knife blade.
You rarely find fossils in igneous rock for one reason. Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Most living material is destroyed by the heat leaving no recognizable fossil.
The most obvious way to tell whether or not a rock is sedimentary is to look at its texture. Remember, sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments, fossils, shells, etc. are weathered and then lithified together. The lithification of those materials creates somewhat of an eclectic mix of particles. For instance, coquina looks as if someone cemented a bunch of shells together. Sedimentary rocks will have varying grain sizes, ranging from the larger gravel-sized grains to the microscopic microcrystalline grain sizes. These grains will vary in shape, from angular to well-rounded. Additionally, the grains will be arranged in varying manners, from being poorly sorted (a mix of different sizes) to well sorted (all generally the same size). When compared side by side with metamorphic or igneous rocks, the textural differences presented by sedimentary rocks become very clear.
Breccia refers to a rock that is composed of the broken fragments of the rocks or minerals that have been cemented together. The broken fragments of the rocks or minerals are usually cemented together to form a fine grained matrix.
They look like perky nipples
the look and feel of sedimentary rocks are sometimes hard and smooth or hard and rough
Sedimentary rocks can vary in appearance depending on their composition and formation process. Some common characteristics include layers, textures (such as sandstone's grainy texture), and visible fossils or imprints. Sedimentary rocks can come in various colors and often have a more rounded or smooth appearance compared to igneous or metamorphic rocks.
== == Sedimentary rocks may exhibit strata, or layering. Sandstones will have visible sand grains. Limestones will fizz when placed in vinegar. Fossils usually only appear in sedimentary rocks. A rock made of an assortment of other rocks is usually sedimentary.
Flint can typically be found in rocky areas, such as riverbeds, quarries, and exposed cliffs. It is often associated with sedimentary rocks like limestone and chalk. Look for smooth, hard rocks with a glassy appearance, as these may contain flint.
Sedimentary rocks
The vast majority of fossils are found in sedimentary rock.
Normally when sedimentary rocks are squashed and heated they do indeed change, they become metamorphic rocks. e.g. mud will be turned into slate - limestone into marble etc.As the metamorphic temperature and pressure increase still further, most sedimentary rocks end up as Granulites or Banded Gneisses which look very much like igneous rocks (Granites).In the extreme, sedimentary rocks can melt, and these melts will form new magmas which will eventually harden to form new igneous rocks.
Normally when sedimentary rocks are squashed and heated they do indeed change, they become metamorphic rocks. e.g. mud will be turned into slate - limestone into marble etc.As the metamorphic temperature and pressure increase still further, most sedimentary rocks end up as Granulites or Banded Gneisses which look very much like igneous rocks (Granites).In the extreme, sedimentary rocks can melt, and these melts will form new magmas which will eventually harden to form new igneous rocks.
Rocks that feel and look the same likely share similar mineral composition and texture. Minerals present in the rock, as well as the way the rock formed (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic), contribute to its appearance and feel. Thus, rocks that appear and feel the same are likely to be composed of similar minerals and have undergone similar geological processes.
Normally when sedimentary rocks are squashed and heated they do indeed change, they become metamorphic rocks. e.g. mud will be turned into slate - limestone into marble etc.As the metamorphic temperature and pressure increase still further, most sedimentary rocks end up as Granulites or Banded Gneisses which look very much like igneous rocks (Granites).In the extreme, sedimentary rocks can melt, and these melts will form new magmas which will eventually harden to form new igneous rocks.
Chert is non-foliated. Foliation is a term that is used mainly to describe the appearance or texture of metamorphic rock. Chert is a sedimentary rock, composed mostly of microcrystalline quartz.