Key Things Worth Knowing About Slate

Slate is usually regarded as the finest grained metamorphic rock. You should remember that metamorphic rocks can be formed when the existing rocks change in form in a process known as metamorphism. Slate is usually used in building floors and roofs because it’s a good electrical insulator and fireproof. 

Other manufacturers use slate for tombstones, blackboards, and commemorative tables. It also has a low water absorption rate, so it can be used as a roofing material. This article discusses the key things worth knowing about slate.

Understanding the composition of slate

Slate can be taken from shale-type sedimentary clay rock or even volcanic ash that went through metamorphism. Slate is usually composed of muscovite or quartz. There are some minerals, such as chlorite, biotite, pyrite, and many more that are in slate. Some compound materials can also be present in slate. These include iron oxide, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide, and many more. 

The mineral composition of Skiferheller determines its color. As a result, you can find slate that comes in a variety of colors like light and dark gray. But you can also find colored slates in some places. These colors can be red, green, purple, black, and many more. If there is a lot of hematite, a slate can be reddish. Sericite can produce bluish-gray slate while chlorite can produce green slate.

Why do homeowners prefer using slate?

There are many good reasons why most flooring companies like to work with slate. One of them is that slate is usually easy to install. The truth is that it’s easy to cut and shape slate, leading to many homeowners preferring to do slate flooring projects themselves. 

Another key benefit of slate is that it has a good appearance. Slate is usually known for its beauty and uniqueness. Because it is a stone that forms naturally, there is usually a lot of variances when it comes to the appearance of slate. Besides this, there are many minerals responsible for the formation of slate and this leads to its varied patterns, texture, and designs. This is the reason why you can find a wide range of slates including solid black slate and shiny hues like purple or red.

Slate is also durable and resistant to wear and tear over time. It can also be highly resistant to water to make it a great option for flooring in bathrooms and foyers. Even better, it’s affordable to make it an appealing option for many homeowners. Its durability is also a good reason why many old houses with slate flooring are still in good condition.

Many homeowners can also agree that slate is highly versatile. This is because you can select from a wide range of categories and options if you are not pleased with a specific type. Some of the available options include cleft or un-cleft slate, gauged or ungauged slate, and many more. This allows you to have flexibility in selecting the right slate for your home. Remember that you still have to do maintenance to your slate to make sure that lasts longer.