noun
- Plural of claystone; fine-grained sedimentary rocks composed primarily of clay minerals, formed from the consolidation of clay deposits.
Usage: geology; technical
Examples
- The geologist identified several layers of claystones in the rock formation.
- Claystones are commonly found in sedimentary basins and are often used as indicators of ancient depositional environments.
- The drill core revealed alternating bands of sandstones and claystones.
- Claystones have low permeability, making them useful as seals in petroleum reservoirs.