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Glite Dictionary
argillite

argillite

9.9
A hard rock made from clay that does not split into thin sheets
  • noun
  • /ˈɑrɡɪˌlaɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : argilita
  • The geological survey revealed layers of argillite that were formed millions of years ago.

Examples

  • Massive destruction of farmland resulted, with numerous failures of argillite and mudstone slopes (Fig. 4).

    Academic text (1991)

  • Tahayren's work in argillite, gold, and silver fortunately endures as one of the strongest tangible links with the Haida past.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Large-scale, deep-seated earth flowage, however, is basically restricted to areas of crushed argillites and bentonitic mudstones located in East Cape and southern Hawke's Bay-Wairarapa.

    Academic text (1991)

  • The artist carved a beautiful statue from argillite, showcasing its smooth texture.

  • During the hike, we encountered a striking cliff made of argillite that caught our attention.

Synonyms

mudstone
vsargillite
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A hard rock that forms when mud or clay presses together and becomes solid

is specifically hardened clay lacking layers that split or clear cleavage
claystone
vsargillite
  • Specialized
8.7

A hard rock made of tiny bits of clay pressed together

is harder and lacks layers that split or clear cleavage
argillaceous rock
vsargillite
  • Specialized
9.8

A rock made mainly of clay that forms in layers

is a specific hardened type without layers that split or clear cleavage

Surface Forms

argillite singular
argillites plural

Etymology

Argillite comes from the Latin argilla, meaning 'clay', plus the rock ending -ite, as in granite. So argillite is literally a 'clay rock', which explains why it is a hard rock made of clay and does not break into thin sheets.