pelite
/ˈpiːlaɪt/
noun
- A fine-grained sedimentary rock, such as mudstone or shale, composed mostly of clay or silt particles.
- Pelite often contains fossils because its fine grains preserve delicate details.
- The geologist identified the dark gray layer as a pelite formed from ancient seafloor mud.
- The construction site revealed a thick deposit of pelite that had to be removed before building.