Chemical sedimentary rocks are masses of
intergrown mineral crystals that are precipitated from aqueous solutions. They
are massive and often somewhat uniform in appearance. The difference between
these rocks is what they are composed of (quartz, gypsum, halite, hematite, or
calcite).
| Composition | Distinguishing characteristics | |
| Quartz | Scratches glass | (CLICK HERE) |
| Gypsum | Does not scratch glass and may be scratched by your fingernail | (CLICK HERE) |
| Halite | Tastes like salt | (CLICK HERE) |
| Calcite | Reacts with hydrochloric acid | (CLICK HERE) |
| BACK TO STEP 1|
| SEDIMENTARY ROCK TEXTURES |
SEDIMENTARY ROCK TYPES |
SEDIMENTARY ROCK CLASSIFICATION |