Coal is an organic sedimentary rock that forms mainly from plant debris. The plant debris usually accumulates in a swamp environment. Coal is combustible and is often mined for use as a fuel. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.

Chalk is a type of limestone made up of the microscopic calcium carbonate shells of marine organisms. Chalk is soft, friable, porous, and effervesces vigorously in contact with hydrochloric acid. Because it is very porous, subsurface chalk units can serve as reservoirs for oil and natural gas.

Caliche is found in arid or semiarid climates around the world. It forms when rock fragments and sediment particles are cemented together by mineral matter, usually calcium carbonate, that precipitates and hardens between the particles. Over time, caliche can become very dense and durable, which explains why it is also called hardpan, calcrete, and duricrust. Some…

Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of sediments. There are three basic types of sedimentary rocks. Clastic sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and lithification of mechanical weathering debris. Examples include: breccia, conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and shale. Chemical sedimentary rocks form when dissolved materials preciptate from solution. Examples include: chert, some dolomites, flint, iron ore, limestones, and rock salt. Organic sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of plant or…