Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed mainly of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals. It forms from the accumulation of mud and silt in quiet environments like lakes and river deltas. Over time, pressure and heat transform these sediments into solid rock, which can be rich in organic material. Shale is significant in the energy sector because it often contains natural gas and oil. The extraction of these resources from shale formations has led to advancements in techniques like fracking, which allows for the efficient recovery of hydrocarbons trapped within the rock.