Shale

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENE-002078",
  "term": "Shale",
  "field": "Energy",
  "definition": "A very fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock that forms when mud, silt, and clay-size mineral particles are consolidated and compacted into relatively impermeable layers. Shale is characterized by a finely laminated or stratified structure and is the most abundant sedimentary rock. Shale can contain varying amounts of organic matter, so it has the potential to become a hydrocarbon source rock. The pore size of shale reservoirs ranges from nanometers to micrometers. Hydrocarbons in some shale reservoirs can be extracted using hydraulic fracturing.",
  "subject": "Natural gas",
  "references": [
    "EIA Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/energy/shale/"
}