slate and fake slate

slate shingles: The top two pictures are of actual slate. The bottom two are images of synthetic slate. Would you be able to tell the difference? Perhaps only your support beams and wallet would know, and have a sign of relief with the latter. True slate is really beautiful, lasts much longer then you will and is very expensive. Synthetic slate, made from things like recycled rubber and plastic, is much lighter and much less expensive. And from street level, it may just be beautiful enough.

{images found at: inspect NY, Omi Stonework, Copperstate Roofing, Flores & Foley}