Conglomerate Rock – A Complete Guide
Introduction • In this knowledge-rich series of knowing rocks, we are going to know Conglomerate rocks, which is a kind of sedimentary rocks and have some commercial values in different industries, particularly in construction businesses.
What Type of Rock Is Conglomerate • In geology, conglomerate considers as a Clastic Rock. Here, clastic derived from the Clasts. The gravel-size pebbles, which are greater than 2 mm in diameter termed as Clasts. • When the Matrix made of sand, silt, and clay particles and filled the gaps between clasts and also glue the clasts objects together, the formation of conglomerate takes place.
What Is Conglomerate Made Of?
Where Are Conglomerate Rocks Found? • We know the formation of conglomerate rocks takes place in the areas where an abundant supply of water from various water bodies is possible. Those water bodies may be • Lakes • Rivers • Sea Beaches with Strong Currents/Waves • Glaciers
Conglomerate Rock Texture, Classification, and Types • Thanks to its clastic nature, conglomerate rocks have clastic texture. The classification of conglomerate rocks depends on its clasts compositions and compositions of the matrix content.
Conglomerate Classification According to Percentage of Cement Paraconglomerate
It is a matrix-supported type of conglomerate rock. When the percentage of the matrix in the rock is at least 15% and more, it terms as matrix supported. This type of rocks is further classified into laminated (Cemented Clasts) & nonlaminated. Tillites & Tilloids are respective examples of both.
Orthoconglomerate
On the contrary, these types of rocks have less than 15% matrix, and mass is dominated with clasts. Therefore, it terms as a clasts-supported conglomerate.
Conglomerate Classification Based on Resistance Petromict Conglomerate
Many natural stones have less withstanding capacities against weathering than others. When such clasts are present in conglomerate rocks those term as Petromict. Limestone, dolomite, shale, and similar stone clasts have low resistance power. Oligomict Conglomerate On the contrary, some clasts have high-resistance capacities and withstand against natural erosion and weathering impacts. For instance, quartz, chert, basalt, and others. When such clasts exist in the rock, those are term as Oligomict conglomerates.
Conglomerate Classification Based on Clasts and Cement Composition Intraformational Conglomerates
When conglomerate rocks have the same kind of clasts and matrix, which originated from the same environment, those term as intraformational conglomerates. For example, a siliceous matrix with quartz and jasper clasts. Here, both rocks are of siliceous types and embedded into the siliceous matrix.
Extraformational Conglomerates
On the contrary, extra formational conglomerate rocks have different origin or types of clasts than the matrix. It is because clasts have transported from a kind of rock type area during matrix from another area. For instance, basalt clasts transported in calcareous matrix area.
Conglomerate Classification Based on Variation in Parent Material Monomictic Conglomerate
Diamictic Conglomerate
Polymictic Conglomerate
Conglomerate Classification Based on Size and Composition • Based on grain size and clasts size, we can classify conglomerate rocks in the following categories and types. The coarseness and fineness of rocks greatly depend on size and compositions of the mineral grains/clasts embedded in the rocks.
Conglomerate Classification According to Grain Size Very Coarse-grained
Clasts size greater than 200 mm
Coarse-grained
Clasts size between 20-200 mm
Medium-grained
Clasts size between 6-20 mm
Fine-grained
Clasts size between 2-6 mm
According to Clasts Size Boulder Conglomerate
Cobble Conglomerate
Pebble Conglomerate
Granule Conglomerate
How the Formation of Conglomerate Rocks Takes Place?
Shallow Water Marine Environment
Deep Water Marine Environment
Glacial Environment
Alluvial Environment
Fluvial Environment
What Are The Uses of Conglomerate Rock? • • • •
In Construction of Historic Buildings In Preparation of Construction of Aggregates As Dimension Stones As Decorative Material in interior and Exterior Application • As Architectural Stones for Curbing • As Antiquity Material • In Other Commercial Applications
Conclusion • In the series of identifying various rocks and natural stones at World of Stones, USA, today we have explored some geological and industrial aspects of conglomerate rocks such as meaning, uses, facts, properties, and colors. • However, out of several suppliers of natural rocks, the World of Stones USA is an excellent choice for natural stones, particularly for exterior applications in the construction industry. If you have found our series interesting, keep the reading of blogs at World of Stones continue.
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