Slate
Slate is a metamorphic rock. It is formed from shale by being under pressure and moderate heat. Shale itself is formed from muddy clay, splits into thin plates. This characteristic splitting is carried over into slate. Schist is a rather similar type of metamorphic rock.
Uses
Roofing slates are used in many countries, though ceramic tiles have gradually taken over. Heavier slates can be used for flooring (inside and outside). Slates are used for the cladding (surface skin) of buildings, and sometimes in Wales there are whole buildings of slate. Gravestones and memorial plaques are another use. Thick slate is used for billiard tables and laboratory bench tops, where its resistance to temperature changes and chemicals is useful. Slate was used for blackboards and writing tablets in schools.
Slate Media
- Slate with pyrite.JPG
Ardoise pyriteuse à Luing
- St Fagans Tannery 7.jpg
A slate roof in Cardiff, Wales
- Kirche wurzbach.jpg
A slate-faced church and homes in Wurzbach, Germany
- St.leonhard-ffm002.jpg
A fine slate tile work, Saint Leonhard's Church in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Bergwerk-fell-hoffnung.jpg
The Fell Exhibition Slate Mine in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Bergwerk-fell-stollen2.jpg
The historical Vogelsberg 1 pit at Fell Exhibition Slate Mine
- Mules carrying slate. Dharamsala.jpg
Mules carrying slate roof tiles on their backs in Dharamshala, India, in 1993