| Slate is a fine-grained, crystalline rock derived from sediments of clay and fine silt that were deposited on ancient sea bottoms. This clay and silt consolidated into beds of shale. The shale was then under intense heat and pressure from the movement of the earth’s crust. For this reason, slate is found only in certain mountainous regions. Variations in local chemistry and conditions under which the slate was formed have produced a wide range of colors and qualities and ultimately determine the character of the slate found in these areas. Physical properties of rocks are due to the crystalline structure of the minerals that they contain. Slate consists mainly of quartz and illite, with mica, calcite, and small amounts of various other minerals. These minerals are stable and resistant to weathering and therefore generally of high strength, low porosity, and low absorption. Slate comes in a variety of colors such as black, gray, green, red, and purple. Black and gray coloring comes from carbon and/or graphite, green from Chlorite, red from Hematite, and shades of reds and purples from different amounts of iron oxides. The slates of Virginia are deep blue-black in color. Due to their high mica content, they have a distinctive lustrous appearance. Buckingham Virginia slates are one of the longest lasting slates (about 175 years or more) and are an unfading slate. |
| About Slate |
| HUNTS CREEK SLATE SIGNS |
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| About Slate: |
| The images below depict standard sizes and shapes of slate works we offer. Custom sizes and shapes are available, please contact us for pricing. We have an extensive selection of fonts, shown below are some of the commonly requested ones. |