Limestone and Mudstones

If your sample looks like it is in layers and comes off into thin plates, then you have Shale. Shale is a type of mudstone and it may have fossils! Look for sea creatures that lived long ago.

If your stone is much harder with no layers you will need to do a test. Put a little bit of vinegar onto your rock. If there is no fizzing then you have Dolostone! Take a look to see if there are fossils of sea creatures in your rock.

If your stone is harder with no layers, put a bit of vinegar on your rock. If it fizzes and bubbles then you have Limestone! Take a look for fossilized sea creatures in your rock.