Slate – Identify the statement that is NOT true about slate as a building stone Which one of the following statements is NOT a correct property or characteristic of slate used in construction and roofing?

Introduction / Context:
Slate is widely used for roofing tiles, cladding, and floor finishes due to its unique combination of strength, durability, and cleavage. Evaluating its properties helps in selecting appropriate stones for weather-exposed applications and in understanding performance over the service life.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Slate originates from low-grade metamorphism of shale.
• It is commonly used where thin, durable sheets are needed.
• We seek the statement that is not correct.

Concept / Approach:

Slate exhibits slaty cleavage, enabling it to split into thin, planar sheets along cleavage planes (not necessarily original bedding planes). It typically has low water absorption and good weather resistance, a smooth fine-grained surface, and mineral composition dominated by silica and alumina with micas. Natural slates occur in various colours (grey, green, purple, black) depending on mineral content.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Stone standards for roofing specify maximum water absorption limits for slate, confirming that quality slate takes up very little water.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

They correctly describe slate’s metamorphic origin, cleavage, surface texture, and colour diversity; only high absorption is inconsistent.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing cleavage planes with bedding planes; assuming all slates behave the same—quality varies by quarry; ignoring freeze–thaw implications of absorption.

Final Answer:

Slate possesses good water absorption capacity.