Mudstone (Sedimentary Rock Type Question)

[patelinho7]

I had a quick question about mudstone. Is mudstone fissile and akin to shale, or is it more "clumpy/grainy" like sandstone? I've always had difficulty understanding the difference between sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and shale. Thanks!

Edited September 28, 2023 by patelinho7

[Ludwigia]

Just google mudstone and check out Wikipedia. The description there is fitting.

[patelinho7]

2 minutes ago, Ludwigia said:

Just google mudstone and check out Wikipedia. The description there is fitting.

Aha. I am in denial over Wikipedia's description. I was hoping for a definition that supports a hypothesis I made. Time to come back to reality and accept I am wrong 

[grandpa]

Likely more detail than you wanted:

https://geo.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Geology/Book%3A_An_Introduction_to_Geology_(Johnson_Affolter_Inkenbrandt_and_Mosher)/05%3A_Weathering_Erosion_and_Sedimentary_Rocks/5.03%3A_Sedimentary_Rocks

 

More simply put:  https://rocks.comparenature.com/en/siltstone-vs-mudstone/comparison-37-18-0

Siltstone can be defined as a fine-grained sedimentary rock which mainly consists of consolidated silt

 

Mudstone is a fine-grained, dark gray sedimentary rock, which is formed from silt and clay and is similar to shale but has less laminations

[patelinho7]

Thank you. I also will use this as a reminder to check for geology books at my university library.

[grandpa]

From your later post, it looks like the library trip was a productive one.