![Top curves](../../../../jsp/jahia/templates/GSL/gsl_templates/img/keystage3/main_top_grad.gif)
Slate, North Wales
![Selection of Slate](../../../../webdav/site/GSL/shared/images/education_and_careers/RockCycle/RocksAroundBritain/slate%20selection%20image.jpg)
Slate splits easily into thin sheets because of the alignment, or foliation, of tiny mica crystals in the rock. It is also, hard, durable and impermeable (waterproof).
Slate: Dinorwig, North Wales.
![Slate: Dinorwig, North Wales.](../../../../webdav/site/GSL/shared/images/education_and_careers/RockCycle/RocksAroundBritain/Dinorwig%20slate.jpg)
The quarry shown above is now a hydro-electric power station.
![Bottom curves](../../../../jsp/jahia/templates/GSL/gsl_templates/img/keystage3/bottom_curve.gif)