Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fine-grained sedimentary rock: Shale is a type of sedimentary rock formed from the compaction of clay, silt, or mud. It is characterized by its tendency to split into thin layers (lamination).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The geologist collected a sample of dark gray shale from the cliff face.
  • Shale is a common source rock for oil and natural gas.

Advanced Usage

• "Shale gas": Natural gas that is trapped within shale formations.
  • The development of shale gas has transformed the energy market.
• "Shale oil": Oil that is contained within shale rock.
  • Extracting shale oil often requires hydraulic fracturing.

Variants and Related Words

• Shaly (adj): Resembling or containing shale.
  • The soil had a shaly texture.

Synonyms

• Mudstone: A fine-grained sedimentary rock whose original constituents were clays or muds. (Note: Mudstone typically does not split into layers as easily as shale.)
• Argillite: A compact sedimentary rock composed mainly of clay particles, more indurated than shale.

Related Phrases

• "Shale formation": A geological layer or body composed primarily of shale.
  • The drill bit penetrated a thick shale formation.
• "To fracture shale": To break shale rock, typically as part of an extraction process.
  • The company used high-pressure water to fracture the shale.

Noun

1. a sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of successive layers of clay