Hemiclastic

/ˌhɛmɪˈklæstɪk/ adjective

Definition

In geology, describing rocks that are partially composed of broken fragments of other rocks mixed with finer sediment.

Etymology

From Greek 'hemi-' meaning half and 'klastos' meaning broken. This geological term emerged in the 1800s to classify sedimentary rocks based on their composition.

Kelly Says

Hemiclastic rocks are geological 'mixtures'—they contain both big broken rock pieces and fine sediment, telling geologists that these rocks formed in environments where both violent and gentle water movement happened.

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