2007-02-10 02:35:54 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Usually silicon dioxide (quartz), but shale is highly variable in composition.
Aluminum oxide and ferric oxide are also common in shales.
2007-02-10 02:42:05 · answer #1 · answered by Now and Then Comes a Thought 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clay is the main constituent of shales. Clays are otherwise classed as phyllosilicates--with the prefix phyllo coming from the Greek root that means platy or layered, if I recall correctly. There are a variety of clay minerals that fall into the following groups based on their structure: kaolinite, montmorillonite-smectite, illite, and chlorite.
Shale may also have a small compoenent of fine particles of other minerals such as quartz or feldspar.
2007-02-10 19:10:46 · answer #2 · answered by luka d 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The mineral feldspar is the main constituent of shales. Shales are made up of clay or mud but clay and mud are not minerals. The mineral that makes up clay and mud is weathered feldspar. Feldspars also go by the various names as k-spar, orthoclase, plagioclase, alkaline feldspar, microcline. These are all feldspars so just say feldspar to answer your question.
2007-02-10 11:18:38 · answer #3 · answered by mo5quicksilver 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Read all about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shale
2007-02-10 10:44:04 · answer #4 · answered by D M L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋