Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Previous section
Igneous Rocks: Examples and Uses

Sedimentary Rocks: Examples and Uses

Here are some examples of common sedimentary rocks:

 

Close up of an amonite showing how it grows in a swirl patter with ridges
Detail of a Fossil Ammonite

 

Sandstone

A dark yellow-ish rock with quite a fine texture
Sandstone

As its name suggests, this stone is made of sand. Because it is easy to work with, sandstone has been a popular building material around the world for a long time. In areas where it is common, like West Yorkshire, almost every building is made from it. Cliffe Castle Museum is constructed from sandstone.

 

Limestone

Limestone is made primarily from the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). It is formed from the remains of billions of tiny sea creatures which have been pressed together and compacted below the ocean floor.

 

A chunk of pale coloured rock
Limestone

It is used in many different ways: as a building stone, in the production of lime (an important material to improve soil for farming), glass making, industrial carbon dioxide and cement. Chalk is a form of limestone.

 

Shale (Mudstone)

A dark coloured rock made up of horizontal layers which can be seen on the edge of the sample
Shale (Mudstone)

Mud, silt and clay are the ingredients of shale. These are compacted to form a soft, easily broken, usually dark coloured rock. Shale can be used as a filler in the production of paint, used in brick making and is sometimes used as a base material under roads.

 

Glossary

Compacted - when things are tightly packed together

Filler - substance used to fill spaces

Primarily - first or originally

Remains - all that is left of something, usually a building or a body