* Source Rock: The original rock that the sediment is derived from plays a huge role in determining the composition. Different rocks have different mineral compositions, so the sediment will inherit those minerals.
* Weathering: The process of breaking down the source rock into smaller pieces (sediment) can also change the composition. Certain minerals are more resistant to weathering than others.
* Transportation: As sediment is transported (by wind, water, or ice), it gets sorted and rounded. This can affect the composition, as some minerals are more easily transported than others.
* Deposition: The environment where the sediment is deposited also plays a role. Different environments favor different sediment types (e.g., beaches vs. deserts).
Age of the rock is not a primary factor in determining sediment composition. While older rocks may be more weathered, the composition of the original source rock is more important. A very old rock could be composed of the same minerals as a younger rock if they both originated from the same source.
