If you’re a land surveyor or developer, you may be familiar with slate stone. This natural rock has a number of characteristics that help enhance precision in the field.
Slate is a metamorphic rock that’s made from clay minerals and sedimentary shale or volcanic ash. It’s formed through regional metamorphism that occurs when shale is exposed to heat and pressure.

Strength
Slate is a metamorphic rock of sedimentary origin, consisting mainly of clay minerals. Its metamorphism depends on the degree of pressure and temperature of its parent shale or mudstone rock.
When shale is subjected to low pressure, it can metamorphize into slate, phyllite, schist or gneiss depending on the mineral composition. Unlike other metamorphic rocks, slate is not chemically reactive and remains stable even under high temperatures.
Slate is a non slippery natural stone that is ideal for flooring and roofing applications. It also resists mold, mildew and weed growth. In addition, it is resistant to water spills. This makes it a perfect choice for kitchen and bathroom floors. Moreover, it has low porosity and is anti-staining.
Rigidity
Whether it’s measuring a polar ice cap, surveying the ground, or planning an urban park or development, precision is essential. That’s why it is so important to have the land properly surveyed, measured and charted before any work starts on the project.
Slate is a foliated metamorphic rock formed from shale under low pressure and temperature conditions. The clay minerals of the parent shale (biotite, chlorite, muscovite) metamorphose into micas along foliation planes perpendicular to the direction of the pressure.
During this process, relict bedding is often visible on the foliation planes. Slate is a durable and heavy-duty material that is capable of withstanding impacts, scratches and breaks. It’s also waterproof and abrasion-resistant. It is commonly used for external and internal flooring, cladding and walling.
Abrasion
Slate stone is a metamorphic rock that has been formed over many millions of years from a mixture of clay and ash. It has been a popular stone for building materials and roofing purposes.
Slate is a hard stone that ranks high on the abrasion resistance scale. This feature makes slate a great material for vanities, tub surrounds, backsplashes and flooring applications.
In addition, slate is a durable material that is resistant to chipping, cracking and scratching. It can also be used for outdoor landscaping. Its natural non-slip surface and low maintenance make it an excellent choice for residential and commercial areas.
Chemical Resistance
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that has been used as roofing material for ages. It consists of clay and volcanic ash, making it extremely durable.
It can also withstand high temperatures without compromising its beauty. This is one of the reasons why it is often used to make plates and cutting boards.
It is also environmentally friendly, because it uses no chemicals or fossil fuels to produce. That’s a huge plus when considering a natural stone alternative.
Water Resistance
In addition to being durable and strong, natural slate stone is also known for its water resistance. This makes it perfect for exterior and interior surfaces, including floors, walls, and patios.
Slate is a type of rock that consists of shale-type sedimentary rocks that have undergone low-grade regional metamorphism. It contains minerals like quartz, muscovite, and illite.
Slate is often used for flooring, stairs, and wall cladding because it has a natural look that complements any decor style. Its water-resistance and low maintenance make it an excellent choice for outdoor spaces, too.