Download Classifying Common Sedimentary Rocks

Name __________________________
Date ___________
PS/ES Per ___
Mr. Landsman
Classifying Common Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks may be classified into three major groups based on their origin
and composition. If the sediments that make up the rocks mostly came from the shells or
body parts of marine organisms, the rock is considered as having bioclastic texture, or
being organic. If the sediments were produced from elements and compounds that were
dissolved in the water but later precipitated (came out of solution when the sea water
evaporated), the rock would be exhibit crystalline texture and be classified as a precipitate
or evaporite rock. If the sediments were formed from pieces of weathered rock (ex-rock),
then the new rock would have clastic texture. Clastic rocks are classified on the basis of
the size of the sediment particles that the rock contains. (see ESRT)
1.
Description
Rock Texture
Name
a. The sediment particles are formed by
chemical precipitation
b. The sediment particles are weathered rock
between 0.006 and 0.0004cm in diameter.
c. The sediments are pieces of shells.
d. The sediment particles are weathered and
sand-sized.
e. The sediment is mostly plant material.
2. How are clastic rocks classified?
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3. Why is the map symbol for Rock Salt drawn with squares?
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4. Which clastic rocks have the largest range of particle size?
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5. How do you account for the difference in fragment shape between Breccia and
Conglomerate? (HINT: How did conglomerate particles become rounded?)
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7. How are Rock Salt and Rock Gypsum similar? Different?
Similar
Different
8. Name the rock that would result from rounded silicate fragments 0.09cm in
diameter?
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BONUS: (forget limitations of ESRT for now)
Can there be such a thing as Clastic Limestone? Explain.
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