What is melanges?

Melanges are a type of sedimentary rock that forms when a mixture of different-sized particles, such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, and boulders, is compacted and cemented together. The rocks are characterized by a heterogenous appearance with a jumbled arrangement of different-sized particles within a matrix of finer material. Melanges typically occur in tectonically active areas such as subduction zones, where rocks are subjected to extreme deformation and compression. These rocks can also be found in mountainous regions and along the edges of continents. Melanges can be important as environmental indicators and can provide insights into the geologic history of an area. They are often used as sources of construction material and as decorative stone.