Meaning & Definition of word "Shale"

Shale

/ʃeɪl/

1. A fine-grained sedimentary rock that is formed by the compaction of silt and clay-sized particles, often containing organic material.
- Example: The geological survey revealed the presence of shale deposits rich in fossil fuels.
2. A type of rock that can be split into thin layers along its bedding planes.
- Example: The builders preferred using shale for its ability to be easily shaped into tiles.
3. A sedimentary rock that can be rich in kerogen, which can be processed to extract oil and gas.
- Example: The extraction of oil from shale has become a significant part of the energy economy.
4. A rock that can sometimes serve as a source of groundwater.
- Example: In certain areas, shale formations are known to be important aquifers.
5. A type of clay-rich rock that weathers to form fertile soil.
- Example: The agricultural fields thrived on the nutrient-rich soil derived from weathered shale.

Middle English, from Old English 'scealu', meaning 'to split'.

shale gas:

Natural gas that is found trapped within shale formations.

oil shale:

Shale that contains significant amounts of kerogen, from which liquid hydrocarbons can be produced.

shale formation:

A geological formation primarily composed of shale.

mudstone:

A sedimentary rock that is composed of mud and is similar to shale but lacks the fissility.

slate:

A fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock that can easily be split into thin sheets, which forms from shale.

kerogen:

A solid organic material derived from the degradation of organic matter in sedimentary rocks, including shale.

Meaning: To break or split easily.

Example Sentence: That material is so soft it just shales apart.