Economic Importance of Sedimentary Rocks

♤ It is true that they contain lesser minerals than in the igneous rocks. But iron ore, phosphates, building stones, coal, raw materials for cement and bauxite are obtained from these.

♤ Mineral oil and Natural Gas is also obtained from sedimentary rocks. In India there is a possibility of finding oil fields in the sedimentary rock strata of the sub-Himalayan zone, in the delta regions of Ganga, Kaveri, Godavari and Krishna rivers, Rann of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat. The mineral oil commonly known as petroleum is formed by the decay of tiny marine organisms (in contrast Coal is formed from dead plant) between to impermeable rocks.

♤ Sandstone, limestone are used in construction of buildings. The forts of Agra, Delhi and Fatehpur Sikri are built of red sandstone

♤ Fertile Soils: The Indus and Ganga basins are also made of sedimentary rocks. Their alluvial soils are highly fertile.