Correct spelling for the English word "Graywacke" is [ɡɹˈe͡ɪwakɪ], [ɡɹˈeɪwakɪ], [ɡ_ɹ_ˈeɪ_w_a_k_ɪ] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Graywacke is a type of sedimentary rock that is characterized by its composition and texture. It is a medium to coarse-grained rock that is predominantly composed of grains that measure between 0.06 and 2 millimeters in diameter. The grains in graywacke are generally angular and poorly sorted, meaning they are not well organized in terms of size. The rock typically has a grayish color, hence its name.
Graywacke is primarily made up of a mixture of sedimentary particles, including sand, gravel, silt, and clay. These particles are typically compacted and cemented together by a matrix of fine-grained materials, such as clay minerals or quartz. This cementation process helps to give graywacke its solid and durable structure.
This type of rock is commonly formed in environments such as deep marine basins or turbidity currents, where large amounts of sediment are rapidly deposited. The high-energy conditions in these environments contribute to the angular shape and poorly sorted nature of the grains in graywacke.
Graywacke is often used in construction and as a building material due to its durability and resistance to weathering. It is also utilized in the production of gravel for road and concrete applications. Its unique texture and composition make graywacke an important rock type for geologists to study and understand Earth's geological processes.
A hard silicious sandstone composed of grains or fragments of different minerals; also the strata now known as Silurian.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "graywacke" is derived from the German term "Grauwacke", which was first used in the late 18th century. It is a combination of two German words: "grau", meaning gray, and "wacke", which refers to a type of sedimentary rock. The term was originally used to describe a specific type of sandstone found in the Harz Mountains of Germany. Over time, "graywacke" became a more general term used to describe a particular type of gray, coarse-grained sandstone that is commonly found in various regions around the world.