In addition to slate, writing boards have been made using soapstone or clay.Īmerican coal miners may refer to the shale forming the floor and ceiling of a mine as slate. Shale and mudstone produce a dull thud.Ī sheet of smooth stone used for writing might be referred to as a 'slate,' regardless of its composition. Slate emits a 'tink' or a ring when struck.

One way to tell shale and slate apart is to strike it with a hammer. However, if you're looking at a partially metamorphosed rock, it's difficult to say whether it should be categorized as slate or as shale. In the modern usage, geologists say shale is converted into slate. In the past, the terms 'slate' and 'shale' have been used interchangeably. The word 'slate' has held different meanings over the years and in various industries. How did you like this resource? Your feedback helps us provide resources that matter to you most.As shale is compressed, it becomes slate. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. **Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. With slate pendants or focals, personal messages or drawings can be added and replaced. This stone is frequently used in chalkboards, making it a great interactive addition to jewelry. Designing with Slate Slate can be used to incorporate fun and lighthearted elements in jewelry designs. To learn more about slate and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World. Then, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. To clean the stone, stick to mild detergents or stone cleaners with a neutral pH level. Proper Care of Slate Refrain from using vinegar or lemon juice as a cleaning agent as it could potentially etch the surface. The color of slate is determined by the amount and type of iron and organic material that are present in the rock. Light to dark gray, as well as green, red, black, purple and brown. Slate is mainly composed of clay minerals or micas as well as quartz and a small amount of Feldspar, calcite, pyrite, hematite and other minerals. For example, Maine is known for their slate being a dark purple color. While these locations produce the majority of natural slate, slate can be found all over the world with some special variations. The color composition is largely dependent on the variation of minerals present during metamorphism.īrazil is the second-largest producer for slate extraction, the largest being Spain.

However, slate can be found in a variety of colors including green, red, black, purple and brown, often from the same extraction site. Slate is most commonly gray in color, ranging from light to dark shades. While it flakes relatively easily, it is a durable stone frequently selected to make tiles. The shale-type sedimentary rock undergoes low pressures and temperatures of 200-320 degrees Celsius, resulting in the production of slate. Slate derives from shale due to low-grade metamorphism. Slate is often incorrectly confused with shale as slate is a derivative of shale sedimentary rocks. Slate Geological Properties A foliated metamorphic rock of fine-grained clay or volcanic ash, slate is comprised of muscovite or illite and quartz. When in balance, the chakras are more open to receiving and giving positive energies, allowing them to function at optimal capacity. As a balancing stone, it is thought to settle anxiety and balance the chakras, resulting in total inner harmony. The stone is thought to bring balance because it is a symbol of harmony among the elements (earth, air, fire and water). Slate Metaphysical Properties Slate is believed by many to be a balancing stone. Slate has currently seen a rise in demand and popularity due to historic preservation and the newfound realization of its superiority over other materials. Slate was a frequently used material during the Second Empire and during the Gothic Revival, High Victorian Gothic and Tudor styles. Slate roofs were often recommended and encouraged to fireproof construction of homes and buildings however, this was not the first use of slate globally. The use of slate as roofing material has a history in the United States dating back to pre-revolutionary times. Slate is frequently chosen over other materials because of its durable, but malleable, composition.

However, slate is also commonly used for chalkboards, billiard tables, flooring, gravestones and landscaping. It is most known for its use in roofing materials. Slate History Slate is a common material that has been used for centuries for a variety of uses and is still used frequently today.

Slate rock