Chemical sedimentary rocks are formed from the precipitation of dissolved minerals from water. They can often be identified by their distinct crystal-like formations and are found in many geological formations across the world. There are a variety of synonyms that are often used to describe chemical sedimentary rocks, including mineral sediments, evaporites, and chemical precipitates. These terms are used interchangeably depending on which particular mineral or sediment is predominate. For example, evaporite refers specifically to deposits that are formed through the evaporation of water, while mineral sediments are more broad and can refer to a variety of deposits. Regardless of the terminology used, chemical sedimentary rocks provide valuable insight into Earth's history and the forces that have shaped it over billions of years.