Lab Activity: Sedimentary Rocks
Objective: Identify sedimentary rocks based upon their texture and composition.
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.
2.
3.
4.
What characteristics of sedimentary rocks are most easily identified?
Contrast weathering, erosion, and deposition
What is the difference between clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks?
Which type of sediment undergoes more compaction—grains of sand or grains of
clay? Explain your answer.
5. What is the difference between conglomerate and breccia?
6. What type of sedimentary rock is formed in two different ways?
7. What sedimentary rock is formed from things that were once living?