Alum shale is a type of sedimentary rock that is known for its abundance of alum and oil shale. It has a dark color and is found in various parts of the world, including Scandinavia, the UK, and North America. Synonyms for alum shale include bituminous shale, oil shale, and marlstone. Bituminous shale is a type of shale that contains a high amount of organic matter and is capable of producing oil and gas. Oil shale is a sedimentary rock that contains organic material and is also a potential source of oil. Marlstone is a type of limestone that is formed from a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate and is often used as a building material.