Answer to Question 1
Answer: Chemical sedimentary rocks are formed when ions dissolve in water by chemical weathering, and later precipitate as new mineral crystals. The minerals that precipitate from water are those whose chemical constituents most readily dissolve in water. Chemical sedimentary rocks are, therefore, most commonly composed of minerals such as calcite, dolomite, gypsum, and halite, which are strongly ionic and easily dissolve in water. So, the sample with these minerals is most likely the chemical sedimentary rock. Clastic sediment consists of loose particles generated by weathering and then transported to a final site of deposition by flowing water, blowing wind, or sliding glaciers. This loose sediment does not become rock until it undergoes compaction under the weight of additional accumulating sediment and, especially, until the precipitation of cementing minerals between grains consolidates it into sedimentary rock.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: The grains in the stone resemble the loose grains of quartz (sand) that cover the beach. So, it makes sense that these grains were formed in the same manner as the sand (processes of weathering) but then cemented together somehow. When closer examining the stone, a white film is seen between the grains, as if it was holding the grains together. It resembles calcite, and to test this idea, dilute acid is applied to the rock and the film fizzes and dissolves, suggesting it is in fact calcite.
Free Samples
Rock Climbing Catfish
Layers of Rock Laid Down by Water
How Seismic Waves Pass through Rock
Regions of Exceptionally Hot Rock
Detrital Sedimentary Rocks