I played with this idea also, but tried to create the box as a math
function.  I quickly found a solution to creating a cubic box using a simple
equation, but it uses outrageous exponents, of course.  A moments though will
show why.  However, I did not want perfect edges; rather, a rounded box will
work fine for this idea.  I just took the absolute values of x^11, y^11, and
z^11 and added them to get a very decent rounded box structure.
    Then I added a crackle function that I scaled to produce "exfoliation"
layers like real slate or shale would have, and added it to that box function
with some turbulence.  Here are a few simple images that the functions created,
using a straight brown pigment scheme.  I will go back and play with the texture
and pigment now and see what emerges.

Cheers!

Chip Shults
My robotics, space and CGI web page - http://home.cfl.rr.com/aichip

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