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When you add water to clay you will notice more swelling than you will when adding water to sandstone. This is due to clay being more permeable than sandstone. This allows clay to absorb and retain water at a quicker rate.

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10y ago

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Clay has a smaller particle size compared to sandstone, which allows it to absorb and hold more water in between its particles. This water absorption causes the clay to swell more than sandstone when saturated with water. Additionally, clay minerals have a higher affinity for water molecules due to their inherent chemical composition, further contributing to their swelling behavior.

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9mo ago
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due to ion exchange and change in salinity.

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12y ago
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11y ago
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Q: Why does clay swell more than sandstone?
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Continue Learning about Earth Science

Is shale also known as sandstone?

No, shale and sandstone are two distinct types of sedimentary rocks. Shale is composed of very fine-grained particles, while sandstone is composed of sand-sized grains that are visible to the naked eye.


Is granite or sandstone more expensive?

Granite is generally more expensive than sandstone due to its durability, unique appearance, and higher demand in the market. Sandstone is more readily available and less costly to extract and process, making it a more budget-friendly option for homeowners or builders.


How are sandstone and siltstone alike and different?

Sandstone and siltstone are both sedimentary rocks formed from the deposition of grains of sand and silt, respectively. However, sandstone typically has larger grain sizes compared to siltstone, giving it a coarser texture. In terms of composition, siltstone has a higher proportion of clay-sized particles than sandstone.


Which is the oldest rock sandstone or shale?

Sandstone is typically older than shale, as sandstone forms from the consolidation of sand particles through compaction and cementation, while shale forms from the compaction of clay and silt particles. Sandstone is generally associated with sedimentary environments that occurred earlier in geological history compared to those where shale forms.


What holds more water sand silt or clay?

Clay holds more water than sand and silt. Clay particles are smaller and create a denser structure that can hold water more effectively than the larger particles of sand and silt.