The Distinction between Grain Size and Mineral Composition in Sedimentary-Rock Nomenclature

TLDR

The paper introduces a grain‑size nomenclature system for terrigenous sediments and rocks, defining fifteen textural groups based on gravel, sand, silt, and clay ratios. The method subdivides each group by median diameter of each size fraction and adds a mineral‑composition component using a triangular diagram to classify eight rock types from the silt‑sand‑gravel fraction while ignoring clay. The author argues that labeling all clay‑rich sandstones as graywacke conflates texture with composition and proposes a tripartite naming scheme combining grain size, textural maturity, and mineral composition.

Abstract

A system of grain-size nomenclature of terrigenous sediments and sedimentary rocks is introduced wherein fifteen major textural groups are defined on the ratios of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. Further subdivision of each class is based on the median diameter of each size fraction present. Next, the mineral composition of terrigenous sedimentary rocks is considered. A triangular diagram is used to define eight rock types (orthoquartzite, arkose, graywacke, and five transitional types) based on the mineralogy of the silt-sand-gravel fraction and ignoring clay content. The writer contends that the current practice of calling all clayey sandstones "graywackes" is not valid, inasmuch as it represents a confusion of texture with composition. It is suggested that sedimentary rocks may be best defined by the use of a tripartite name, based on the following pattern-(grain size): (textural maturity) (mineral composition).