The word 'clastic' has origins in Greek and is taken from the word 'Klastos'. Klastos means broken. If something is 'clastic', it can be separated into parts. Such things often have removable parts or sections. A clastic skeletal model. Clastic originally means something made up of fragments of rocks. Thus, clastic could mean fragmental.
This adjective relates to the noun 'clast'. When larger usually the pre-existing rocks undergo fragmentation, they form smaller rocks which are called 'clasts'. Clastic is generally used for sedimentary rocks, also called detrital rocks. But, this term is also applicable to metamorphic and igneous rocks. Clastic metamorphic rocks are the breccias (type of sedimentary rocks) that are formed in faults and also protomylonite pseudotachylite. Other examples of clastic rocks are the igneous rocks like tuff (volcanic rock) agglomerates and breccias found in sub-volcanic region.
This adjective relates to the noun 'clast'. When larger usually the pre-existing rocks undergo fragmentation, they form smaller rocks which are called 'clasts'. Clastic is generally used for sedimentary rocks, also called detrital rocks. But, this term is also applicable to metamorphic and igneous rocks. Clastic metamorphic rocks are the breccias (type of sedimentary rocks) that are formed in faults and also protomylonite pseudotachylite. Other examples of clastic rocks are the igneous rocks like tuff (volcanic rock) agglomerates and breccias found in sub-volcanic region.
