Which materials are categorized as sedimentary?

Sedimentary materials are characterized by their formation through the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles or the precipitation of minerals from water. Sand, mud, and organic material represent classic examples of sedimentary materials.

Sand is often formed from the weathering and erosion of rocks, while mud is composed of finer particles that settle at the bottom of water bodies. Organic material, which can include decaying plants and animals, also contributes to sedimentary formations. These materials can undergo lithification, where they are compacted and cemented over time, forming sedimentary rock.

In contrast, granite and marble are examples of igneous and metamorphic rocks, respectively, which are formed through different geological processes involving magma or intense heat and pressure. Gold and silver are metallic elements and do not fall under the category of sedimentary materials. Coal is a type of sedimentary rock, but basalt is an igneous rock formed from solidified lava. Thus, sand, mud, and organic material are specifically categorized as sedimentary materials due to their origin and formation processes.