Lab Activity: Sedimentary Rocks

Table 1 Sedimentary Rocks

Use the key on page 79 of your text to help fill in the table below

Rock Name /

Classification

(clastic, chemical, biochemical) / If Clastic:
Texture (sediment size) / If Chemical:

Composition

/ Observations
1. Conglomerate
2. Breccia
3. Sandstone
6. Shale
8. Chemical Limestone
10. Fossil Limestone
11. Dolomite
12. Rock Gypsum
14. Rock Salt
15. Coal

Analysis Questions:

  1. What characteristics of sedimentary rocks are most easily identified?
  2. What is the difference between clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks?
  3. Which type of sediment undergoes more compaction—grains of sand or grains of clay? Explain your answer.
  4. What is the difference between conglomerate and breccia?