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How mudrock forms:
Mudrock is a fine grained sedimentary rock. Mudrocks can be dark gray/black, red, brown, yellow, or even green. They are formed when fine sediments are deposited in low energy environments such as the abyssal plains of oceans, lakes, and swamps. These sediments can also be deposited by wind. Mudrocks are usually laminated, as shown in the image below.
Mineral composition of mudrocks:
Mudrocks are composed primarily of clay minerals: kaolinites, smectites, and illites. They also contain quartz, feldspars, and carbonate minerals.
Additionally, mudrocks contain organic matter that is mixed in with minerals during deposition.
Where is mudrock found in NC?
Mudrock is found primarily in Cumberland, Rockingham, Stokes, Lee, Durham, Wake, Anson, Granville, and Johnston counties. It is the most abundant sedimentary rock!
Uses for mudrock:
Mudrock often contains fossils!
Mudrock can also be used for various purposes in construction, such as concrete production and in roads.
Fun fact:
Mudrock makes up half of the sedimentary rocks on the Earth's surface!
Read more about mudrocks here: http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens212/mudrocks.htm
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