This book offers a comprehensive review devoted exclusively to slate as dimension stone. Within the first part, the book covers the different architectonical applications as well as in detail the specific petrographic, fabric, strength and physical properties of slates. Methods and techniques of data acquisition are thoroughly explained and accompanied with numerous data. Slate standards are introduced and compared in respect to their importance of product quality. One chapter deals with the weathering of slate, i.e., the weathering processes and corresponding environmental conditions. This is supplemented by a classification of weathering phenomena according to the international standard. The chapter of mining and production gives an overview of the different ways of exploitation and the related geotechnical aspects as well as methods of production and design of the workflow from the beginning to the final product. The second part of the book is devoted to a description of the world-wide slate deposits. This includes the geological setting, properties and usage. The descriptions are largely accompanied by maps and by photographs to give the reader an impression of the appearance of the slates. All chapters are uniquely depicted so that the reader can also easily understand topics outside his subject area. It is an essential book for scientist, engineers and professionals in geology, conservations science, architecture, mining and those active in the slate industry.
