The paper attempts to correlate the lithologic character of Cretaceous shales of the Rocky Mountain region with the degree of metamorphism to which they have been subjected, with a view of making use of the lithologic character of shale as an index of metamorphism where coals are lacking. Data presented indicate that pressure is largely responsible for the changes in the character of the shale, and that the changes may be local as well as regional in extent. The effect of the metamorphic consolidation on specific gravity, hardness, fissility, crushing strength, behavior in water, weathering, general appearance, oil and gas content of reservoirs, and kerogen in the shale is discussed.

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