Historical Mining Terminology
Before the mid-19th century, the terms slate, shale and schist were not sharply distinguished. In the context of underground coal mining, the term slate was commonly used to refer to shale well into the 20th century. For example, roof slate refers to shale above a coal seam, and draw slate refers to roof slate (shale) that falls from the mine roof as the coal is removed.
Read more about this topic: Slate
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