Question

What is difference between Slate and Sandstone?

Answer 1

Answer: Slate and Sandstone are somewhat apples and oranges to compare. They are both derived from sediment (sandstone is a sedimentary rock and slate is derived from shale which is a sedimentary rock). This is as opposed to igneous (or volcanic) rocks. The following simplified examples might help (these processes take a long time by the way):

1) Clay/Mud= add pressure= Shale= add pressure and heat= Slate.

2) Sand= add pressure= Sandstone= add pressure and heat= Quartzite or Gneiss.

Shale and Sandstone are sedimentary rocks. Slate, Quartzite and Gneiss are metamorphic rocks. The latter are harder. Another example is Limestone as a sedimentary rock, with Marble as its metamorphic form. Marble is harder than limestone.