1. Slate is a type of rock formed when shale (made of clay minerals) is compressed extensively and exposed to very hot temperatures. This causes the clay minerals to turn back into mica minerals as the moisture is extracted and hardens the rock. It turns into mudstone and then, as it hardens and compacts further, it becomes slate, a stone that is shaped directionally and begins to break into long flat even pieces.
2. This entire process (to create slate) took place over millions of years and, in fact, began more than 500 millions of years ago.
3. Most of the world's natural slate-in fact 90 percent-comes from the northern part of Spain. Areas of geology are surveyed, sampled, and tested for the presence of slate, and then the slate is evaluated for quality and purity before it is quarried or mined.
4. Typically, slate is quarried from the surface, so the topsoil and unusable rock above the slate must be removed from the area. Next, miners use diamond beaded steel cables to saw large blocks of slate from the slate deposit. These huge blocks of slate rock are moved to a production center. There they are sorted and then get sawed into smaller blocks of slate along the natural cleavage lines.
5. Skilled craftsmen then further split and cut the slate rock to specific sizes and thicknesses based on its intended use. The slate is categorized according to grade. It is then inspected. Finally, it gets packed very carefully so that it will not break during shipment to its final destination.
6. Each crate of slate is labeled with important information including the type of slate in the crate, the origin of each particular batch, any particular characteristics, and the results of the tests conducted. Color will be noted and this information can be used when large jobs require large batches of matching slate rock.
7. Each batch is given an identifying number so that it can be tracked and matched with similar shipments.
Slate is a beautiful natural product that is incredibly versatile and is used in many areas of construction and decorating in homes and even commercial buildings. It comes in a wide variety of amazing color variations and patterns that are created by the unique combinations of minerals such as chlorite, quartz, and mica that combine to create fantastic colors and color variations. The visual appeal of slate makes it very popular for many different applications.
Slate rock is highly durable and is used frequently for flooring (indoors and outdoors), roofing, and even furnishings. It has beautiful aesthetic appeal and is a highly desirable material for high-end projects. In addition, it is easy to work with and install and it is also extremely practical.
Even when wet, slate is slip resistant, so it is ideal for use in entryways, near pools or on patios, and in kitchens or bathrooms where water could be splashed or spilled. Slate is durable, decorative, and definitely an asset to any project. It is popular to include slate in upscale remodeling and building jobs-from homes to hotels and resorts and even office buildings.
Jane Martin is a freelance author, who enjoys writing articles about the home. For further information on how to create a beautiful Spanish Slate roof, contact http://www.spanishslateuk.com