lutite

rock

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lutite, any fine-grained sedimentary rock consisting of clay- or silt-sized particles (less than 0.063 mm [0.0025 inch] in diameter) that are derived principally from nonmarine (continental) rocks. Laminated lutites and lutites that are fissile—i.e., easily split into thin layers—are called shales. Nonfissile lutites composed primarily of clay-sized particles (less than 0.0039 mm in diameter) are called claystones, those composed primarily of silt-sized particles are termed siltstones, and those composed of indeterminate mixtures are sometimes named mudstones. The nomenclature is imprecise, however, and the terms lutite, claystone, mudstone, siltstone, and shale have overlapping usages.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.