1.

0 Objective

To recognized, identified and observed distinguishing features of sedimentary rock

specimen in the laboratory.

2.0 Learning outcomes

i. We are able to become familiar with the physical properties important in

recognizing and classifying sedimentary rocks in Malaysia and worldwide.

ii. We are become familiar with the textures characteristic of sedimentary rocks for

civil engineering application.

iii. We are able to understand sedimentary rocks forming on the earth.

3.0 Theory

Sedimentary rocks

Sedimentary rocks are made up of lithified sediments or precipitated materials.

Sedimentary rocks can be distinguished from igneous and metamorphic rocks since they

form in layers or strata. Another key feature that sets them apart is their fossil content.

Fossils are rarely found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Sedimentary rocks can be

classified by three important factors. Detrital or clastic rocks containing particles from

pre-existing rocks, which are divided by particle size and sorting. The term organic

indicates that the rock is made from shells or other fossil fragments, silica based

mineralization (chert), carbonaceous development (limestone) or carbon based

development (coal). The term chemical indicates the minerals were produced by chemical

precipitation.

a) Criteria for distinguishing rock

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 Rock type Characteristic

Stratification and sorting of grains into layers according their size.

Fragmental texture.

Grains often rounded.

Structures such as bedding, ripples marks and mud cracks.

Sedimentary
Presence of fossils.

Presence of minerals of chemical or origin, such as halite, gypsum, chert

carbonates.

Absences of easily weathered minerals such as biotite and augite.

b) Description

Physical characteristics colour

structure Massive, bedded or cross bedded.

Grain and constituents Note whether grain is uniform or uneven.

To be uneven, there must be marked contrast between larger

and smaller grains. If the rock is uniform, it is usually fine in

grain and does not show definite fragments, but may contain

fossils.

4.0 Equipment and Materials

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No Equipment/Materials

1.

Reference set of igneous, sedimentary, metorphobic rock

2.

Example of sedimentary rock

3.

Set of hardness test

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5.0 Procedure

1. Identification of sedimentary rock

a) An unknown mineral are given a specimen number. If numbers are

missing, notify Encik Mohd Hazreek Bin Zainalabidin or his assistant.

b) Use the mineral identification charts located in the set box for reference

and sedimentary classification chart sheet that has been given.

c) On the worksheet, identified the following:
i. Rock name: based on the reference are given.
ii. Texture: observed, touched and tasted.
iii. Mode of origin.
iv. Composition of rock.
v. Classification.
vi. Sketch.

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7.0 QUESTION AND DISCUSSION

1. List the characteristic that distinguish sedimentary rocks from igneous and

metamorphic rocks.
Sedimentary rocks can be categorized into three groups based on sediment

type. Most sedimentary rocks are formed by the lithification of weathered rock

debris that has been physically transported and deposited. During the transport

process, the particles that make up these rocks often become rounded due to

abrasion or can become highly sorted. Examples of this type of sedimentary rock

include conglomerate and sandstone. Scientists sometimes call this general group of

sedimentary rocks clastic. The remaining types of sedimentary rocks are created

either from chemical precipitation and crystallization, or by the lithification of once

living organic matter. We identify these sedimentary rocks as being non-clastic.

2. Explain all the genesis of sedimentary rocks.

All sedimentary rocks are made from the components of other, pre-existing

rocks that have been broken down, transported, and reassembled into new rocks.

The classification of the rock gives information about this history, telling others

about its characteristics by its very name. Rocks can be disintegrated into their

chemical components, dissolved by runoff water, and eventually deposited into a

still water body. If the chemicals are precipitated by biological means (either

directly by the organism, or indirectly by the organism modifying the environment),

the resulting crystalline materials are biogenic sedimentary rocks.

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8.0 CONCLUSION

The composition (the size, shape, sorting, and content) of a sedimentary rock is

largely dependent on the tectonic regimes in which the sediment forms and the deposition

environment in which it was deposited. Environments evolve in systematic and

predictable ways from source land to Basin floor in each tectonic regime. The

composition and predictable ways from the source land to the basin. Sedimentary

Structures and sequences of Sedimentary Structures found in a sedimentary rock are

determined by the processes characteristic of each particular deposition environment.

Deposition environments evolve in systematic and predictable ways downstream.

Sedimentary Structures and rock sequences of structures change in corresponding

systematic and predictable ways from the source land to the basin and textural

characteristics of a sediment change in corresponding systematic.

People have used sedimentary rocks throughout history for many different

purposes, including building materials and tools. For example, people made arrowheads

out of flint for thousands of years. Flint is a hard rock, yet it can be shaped to a point.

Flint is formed when small particles of silica settle out of water. Sedimentary rocks such

as sandstone and limestone have been used as building materials for thousands of years.

Both types of stone are soft enough to be cut easily into blocks or slabs. Builders today

use sandstone and limestone on the outside walls of buildings. Limestone also has many

industrial uses. For example, limestone is used in making cement and steel.