Argillite
A rock subtype
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About Argillite
A mudstone with variable amounts of silt-sized particles composed predominantly of indurated clay particles.
A compact rock derived either from mudstone (claystone or siltstone), or shale, that has undergone a somewhat higher degree of induration than mudstone or shale but is less clearly laminated and without its fissility, and that lacks the cleavage distinctive of slate.
Ref: AGI
Argillaceous rocks are basically lithified muds and oozes. They contain variable amounts of silt-sized particles. The argillites grade into shale when the fissile layering typical of shale is developed.
A compact rock derived either from mudstone (claystone or siltstone), or shale, that has undergone a somewhat higher degree of induration than mudstone or shale but is less clearly laminated and without its fissility, and that lacks the cleavage distinctive of slate.
Ref: AGI
Argillaceous rocks are basically lithified muds and oozes. They contain variable amounts of silt-sized particles. The argillites grade into shale when the fissile layering typical of shale is developed.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
49445
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:49445:4
Similar Names
| Argillyite | A synonym of Orthoclase |
| Argulite | A rock subtype |
Classification of Argillite
Sub-divisions of Argillite
- Argillite
Other Language Names for Argillite
German:Tonschiefer (in part)
Norwegian:Argillitt
Varieties of Argillite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Argillite associated with 'Black shale' | |
| 4 photos of Argillite associated with 'Organic-rich-sediment' | |
| 3 photos of Argillite associated with Orthoclase | K(AlSi3O8) |
| 2 photos of Argillite associated with Sanidine | K(AlSi3O8) |
| 1 photo of Argillite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 1 photo of Argillite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Argillite associated with Apatite Group | |
| 1 photo of Argillite associated with K Feldspar | |
| 1 photo of Argillite associated with 'Glendonite' | CaCO3 |
| 1 photo of Argillite associated with Ikaite | CaCO3 · 6H2O |
Internet Links for Argillite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-49445.html
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References for Argillite
Reference List:
Reed, J. J. (1959) Soda-metasomatised argillites associated with the Nelson ultramafic belt. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 2 (5) 905-915 doi:10.1080/00288306.1959.10422756
PETTIJOHN, F. J., BASTRON, HARRY (1959) CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ARGILLITES OF THE COBALT SERIES (PRECAMBRIAN) AND THE PROBLEM OF SODA-RICH SEDIMENTS. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 70 (5) 593 doi:10.1130/0016-7606(1959)70[593:ccoaot]2.0.co;2
Randazzo, A. F. (1969) Crystal molds in argillites of the Carolina slate belt, North Carolina. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 39 (2) 820-821 doi:10.1306/74d71d48-2b21-11d7-8648000102c1865d
Young, Grant M (1969) Geochemistry of early proterozoic tillites and argillites of the gowganda formation, Ontario, Canada. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 33 (4) 483-492 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(69)90128-8
Rodhe, Agnes (1985) Geochemistry and clay mineralogy of argillites in the Late Proterozoic Almesåkra group, south Sweden. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar, 107 (3) 175-182 doi:10.1080/11035898609453051
Klaos, E (1987) Direct flame atomic-absorption determination of minor elements in argillites. Talanta, 34 (8). 715-721 doi:10.1016/0039-9140(87)80226-6
Sambasiva Rao, V. V.; Dasgupta, H. C. (1997) Clay Mineralogy of Argillites of the Precambrian Iron Ore Group, Noamundi Basin, Eastern India. Journal Geological Society of India, 49 (2). 179-192 doi:10.17491/jgsi/1997/490208
Bangert, B., von Brunn, V. (2001) Tuffaceous beds in glaciogenic argillites of the Late Palæozoic Dwyka Group of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 32 (1) 133-140 doi:10.1016/s0899-5362(01)90023-5
Rock Creek Mining District, Granite County, Montana, USA