沉积岩具有层理特征。由于季节气候的变化，沉积环境的改变使沉积物的颗粒大小、形状、颜色和成分会发生变化而显示成层的现象，常见有水平层理、平行层理、斜层理等。层面上常见波痕、泥裂、雨痕等，也常含有生物化石。层理、层面特征、含生物化石是沉积岩区别于其它岩石的主要标志。

Sedimentary rocks have bedding characteristics. Climate changes changed the sedimentary environment, which in turn changes the size, shape, color and composition of the sediments. As a result, the bedding occurred. The common beddings are horizontal bedding, parallel bedding, inclined bedding etc. On the bedding plane, there are ripple marks, mud cracks, raindrop imprints and so on. Usually, there also exists biological fossils. Beddings, bedding features, and biological fossils are the main marks that differ sedimentary rocks from other rocks.