Properties of Shale

Physical Properties of Shale

Physical properties of rocks are used to identify the type of rocks and to discover more about them. There are various physical properties of Shale like Hardness, Grain Size, Fracture, Streak, Porosity, Luster, Strength etc which defines it. The physical properties of Shale rock are vital in determining its Shale Texture and Shale Uses.

Hardness and Strength of Shale

The physical properties of Shale depend on its formation. Physical properties of rocks play an important role in determining its applications in various fields. Rocks are rated on the on the Moh's Hardness Scale which rates the rocks on the scale from 1 to 10. Rocks with hardness 1-3 are soft rocks from 3-6 are medium hardness rocks and 6-10 are hard rocks. The hardness of Shale is 3 whereas its compressive strength is 95.00 N/mm². Streak is the color of rock when it is crushed or powdered. The streak of Shale is white whereas its fracture is not available. Luster of Shale is the interaction of light with the surface of Shale. Luster of Shale is dull. Shale cleavage is slaty. The specific gravity of Shale is 2.2-2.8. Shale is opaque in nature whereas its toughness is 2.6. You can also know all the list of rocks in Opaque Rocks, Translucent Rocks and Transparent Rocks.