Can sandstone become shale

Yes, sandstone can become shale through a process called lithification, where sediment undergoes compaction and cementation. However, it is more common for sandstone to transform into a different type of rock, such as quartzite, when subjected to higher temperatures and pressures. Shale typically forms from the compaction of finer sediments like silt and clay. Therefore, while there's a geological connection between these sedimentary rocks, sandstone does not directly become shale.