What Is the Main Difference Between Shale and Claystone?

Siltstone - greater than half of the composition is silt-sized particles. Claystone - greater than half of the composition is clay-sized particles. Mudstone - hardened mud; a mix of silt and clay sized particles.

What is the difference between shale and claystone?

The only difference between mudstone and shale is that mudstones break into blocky pieces whereas shales break into thin chips with roughly parallel tops and bottoms. Both are made of ancient mud.

How can you tell the difference between shale and sandstone?

The main difference between sandstone and shale is that sandstone is a sedimentary rock mainly made of sand or quartz grains, while shale is a finely stratified sedimentary rock of silt and clay-size mineral particles.