Properties of Slate and Obsidian
Physical Properties
  
  
Hardness
3-4
  
5-5.5
  
Grain Size
Very fine-grained
  
Not Applicable
  
Fracture
Splintery
  
Conchoidal
  
Streak
Light to dark brown
  
White
  
Porosity
Less Porous
  
Very Less Porous
  
Luster
Dull
  
Vitreous
  
Compressive Strength
30.00 N/mm2
  
30
Cleavage
Slaty
  
Non-Existent
  
Toughness
1.2
  
Not Available
  
Specific Gravity
2.65-2.8
  
2.6-2.7
  
Transparency
Opaque
  
Translucent
  
Density
2.6-2.8 g/cm3
  
2.6 g/cm3
  
Thermal Properties
  
  
Specific Heat Capacity
0.76 kJ/Kg K
  
17
0.92 kJ/Kg K
  
10
Resistance
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant, Pressure Resistant, Wear Resistant
  
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant
  
Slate vs Obsidian Properties
Properties of Slate and Obsidian play an important role in determining the type of rock. Along with Slate vs Obsidian properties, get to know more about Slate Definition and Obsidian Definition. For the ease of understanding, the properties of rocks are divided into physical and thermal properties. Rocks have a variety of properties like hardness, color, specific gravity, fracture, cleavage, luster etc. Know all about physical and thermal properties of Slate and Obsidian.