Properties of Slate

Physical Properties of Slate

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

Hardness and Strength of Slate

The physical properties of Slate 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 Slate is 3-4 whereas its compressive strength is 30.00 N/mm². Streak is the color of rock when it is crushed or powdered. The streak of Slate is light to dark brown whereas its fracture is splintery. Luster of Slate is the interaction of light with the surface of Slate. Luster of Slate is dull. Slate cleavage is slaty. The specific gravity of Slate is 2.65-2.8. Slate is opaque in nature whereas its toughness is 1.2. You can also know all the list of rocks in Opaque Rocks, Translucent Rocks and Transparent Rocks.