sedimentary rock

Introduction
Classification systems
- Terrigenous clastic rocks
- Carbonate rocks: limestones and dolomites
- Noncarbonate chemical sedimentary rocks
Properties of sedimentary rocks
- Texture
  - Grain size
  - Particle shape
  - Fabric
- Mineralogical and geochemical composition
Sedimentary structures
- External stratification
- Bedding types and bedding-plane features
  - Types
  - Bedding-plane features
- Deformation structures
Sedimentary environments
Sedimentary rock types
- Conglomerates and breccias
  - Classification schemes
  - Epiclastic conglomerates and breccias
    - Clast-supported conglomerates
    - Matrix-supported conglomerates
- Sandstones
  - Sandstone components and colour
  - Formation of sandstones today
  - Bedding structure
  - Texture
  - Classification of sandstones
    - Quartz arenites
    - Arkosic sandstones
    - Lithic arenites
    - Wackes
- Mudrocks
  - General properties of shales
  - Origin of shales
  - Shales of economic value
- Limestones and dolomites
  - Mineralogy
  - Textural components
  - Origin of limestones
  - Dolomites and dolomitization
- Siliceous rocks
  - Types of cherts
  - Origin of cherts
- Phosphorites
- Evaporites
  - Nonmarine environment
  - Shallow marine environment
  - Deep-basin environment
- Iron-rich sedimentary rocks
  - Origin of banded iron formation
  - Origin of ironstones
- Organic-rich sedimentary deposits
  - Coal
  - Oil shale
  - Oil and natural gas
Secular trends in the sedimentary rock record

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

noncarbonate, nonclastic sedimentary rocks

At a Glance

sedimentary rock summary

sedimentary rock

geology

Written by

Ernst ten HaafAll

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Oct. 29, 2026 •History

sedimentary rock, rock formed at or near Earth’s surface by the accumulation and lithification of sediment (detrital rock) or by the precipitation from solution at normal surface temperatures (chemical rock). Sedimentary rocks are the most common rocks exposed on Earth’s surface but are only a minor constituent of the entire crust, which is dominated by igneous and metamorphic rocks. Sedimentary rocks are produced by the weathering of preexisting rocks and the subsequent transportation and deposition...

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