Slate
Though slate has been metamorphically altered, it is derived from sedimentary rock. Slate is made primarily of quartz, muscovite and illite along with small amounts of many other minerals.
The effect of Slate on Vineyard Soil
In the vineyard, slate is very heat retentive. Because temperature ripens grapes, vines planted in slate soils can continue to mature from emitted heat overnight. The vineyards of Alsace and Mosul have a significant amount of slate in them. Riesling has a special affinity for these soils but Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc thrive here as well.
Clay and volcanic ash that become sedimentary rock and then undergo metamorphism turn to slate. When slate breaks down, it is mainly particles of mica and quartz. There are occasionally crystals of garnet in slate as well as veins of quartz.
Slate is a metamorphic rock that is formed when shale is subjected to very high temperatures and pressure. Slate is a foliated rock, meaning that is breaks into thin, flat pieces along the grain and cleavage. This quality makes it a very useful material for construction.
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