Slates
Slate is a fine-grained, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash.
Origin
Slate is fine grained, Foliated metamorphic rock. This is created via the alteration of Shale or Mudstone by means of low grade local metamorphism.
It is famous for a extensive form of use such as Roofing, Flooring, & Flagging due to Sturdiness & Appealing look.
It consists mainly of Silicates(Silicon & Oxygen), PhylloSilicates & AluminoSilicates.
Physical Properties
| Color | Variable Colors – Black, Blue, Green, Red, Brown & Buff. |
| Texture | Foliated metamorphic rock, Foliation on MM Scale. |
| Grain Size | Very Fine Grained, Crystals not visible to naked eye. |
| Hardness | Hard & Brittle. |
Standard Size
Slate is a natural stone known for its versatility. It has a rich variety of colors. Wide possibility of sizes and can be used both in cold as warm climates. Besides offering great beauty and durability, It requires less maintenance compared to other materials used for roofs.
| Standard Size(mm) | Standard Thickness(mm) | Standard Finishing |
|---|---|---|
| 200×300 | 5 to 7 mm 7 to 9 mm |
– Guillotined edge with holes. – Guillotined edge without holes. – Sawn edge with holes. – Sawn edge without holes. |
| 200×400 | ||
| 250×400 | ||
| 250×500 | ||
| 300×400 | ||
| 300×600 | ||
| 450×600 |
Chemical Composition
Major minerals of Slate – Quartz, Muscorite, or Illite along with Biotite, Chlorite, Hematite & Pyrite.
Accessory Minerals: Apatite, Graphite, Kaolinite, Magnetite, Tourmaline or Zircon also Fiedspar.
Other Properties
It is particularly suitable as a roofing materials as it has an extremely low water absorption index of less than 0.4% making the material waterproof.
Natural Slate is used by building professional as a result of its Beauty & Durability.
It is good ELectrical Insulator & Fire Proof. due to Thermal Stability and Chemical Inertness. It is used for Laboratory Benchtops & Billiard table tops.
Applications of Slates
