The term slate refers to a large group of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that were formed millions of years ago. It is not a homogeneous group in terms of appearance and application.Slates have a different mineral composition, properties and purposes. They have one thing in common: good cleavage, i.e. layered separation.It is the name of the slate. These valuable rocks are mined mainly in Lower Silesia.
Slate is a very valuable building material. It is characterized by high durability, resistance to weather conditions and abrasion. Metamorphic shales, formed by the transformation of sedimentary rocks in the depths of the Earth under the influence of high temperature and pressure, are particularly resistant to these conditions (quartzite and mica shales are among the most durable ones).
Slate is a long-lived material that does not lose its natural charm even after a hundred years.You can find out about it by looking at the roofing of historic churches or palaces.In Opole Silesia, black slate roofing tiles, which have been used to cover the roofs of houses in those parts, are mined to this day. This is just one of the uses of this stone. Slate is perfect as a facade material.
In addition, it can be used to arrange paths and terraces, fence walls, barbecues and fireplaces. It works very well in the arrangement of rock gardens and water gardens.Water cascades made of this stone look particularly picturesque.It is also a valued stone in the aquarium hobby.
Slate has been experiencing a real renaissance in recent years, mainly due to its appearance - on the one hand it is elegant and raw, but on the other very natural. Thanks to the appropriate treatment, it can be easily adapted to any style. Gray or graphite stone looks very good in modern gardens.
Some types of slate are polishable, making them ideal for accentuating the contrasts between the severity of the stone and the softness and warmth of the wood in modern gardens. Tiles with an irregular rough surface work well as reinforcement of paths.
Slate is relatively easy to lay.A very interesting example of its use is the so-called french wall.Such a structure is created as a result of laying stones in series, either on mortar or glue.
Slate is a perfect building block
Slate is widely used for roofing and facade applications. One of the reasons is that it has a very low water absorption rate (less than 0.4%).This natural building material does not require complicated processing and has the lowest production cost of all roofing materials. It has the advantage of being extremely durable; its service life can be measured in hundreds of years.
As slate does not absorb water, it is not likely to crack due to low temperatures. Slate is waterproof, fireproof and requires almost no maintenance. Stone slate comes in a variety of colors depending on the mineral composition.Most often it is graphite in color, but it can also be greenish, brown or yellowish.
Slate in Poland and in the world
Slate is mined in many parts of the world. In terms of the volume of production, the following are the leaders: Spain, France, Great Britain, Germany and Portugal. France boasts the greatest demand for slate.Great demand for this raw material is also in Germany and Great Britain.From a historical point of view, the extraction and use of this material dates back to Roman times.
In Poland, the oldest traces of slate use can be seen especially in Western Poland.The stone was mined, for example, in the Kłodzko Valley.Shale has also become famous due to the potential source of natural gas.Slates are impermeable rocks, and thanks to this, large deposits of gas ready for extraction have accumulated between their layers deep in the ground. To this day, quartzite slate is used to make cladding of metallurgical furnaces.
