Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Ferruginous Argillite

Argillite is primarily composed of clay or silt particles, but may contain other constituents as well. When iron is present, the rock is commonly referred to as a ferruginous argillite. This type of argillite may be found in various locales, such as Missoula, Montana and Killarney Park in Ontario, Canada. A siliceous kind of argillite, on the other hand, is commonly known as zebra rock due to the alternating red and cream-colored bands it exhibits. An unusual sight to behold, occurrences of zebra rock argillite are only known in Western Australia.