Slate Stone
A fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, durable sheets for roofing, flooring and cladding.
What is Slate?
Slate is a low-grade metamorphic rock formed from clay and shale under pressure. Its defining feature is slaty cleavage: it splits naturally along flat planes into thin, even sheets. Slate is typically dark grey, black, blue-grey or green-grey, and is dense with low water absorption, giving good weather and frost resistance for a sedimentary-derived stone.
Finishes and forms
Slate is most often supplied with its natural cleft (split) surface, which is matte and textured; gauged (calibrated) tiles have the back sawn flat for even laying. It is sold as thin roofing slates, square and rectangular floor tiles, random and rectangular cladding panels (cultural stone), pavers, and stair treads. It can be honed for a smoother interior finish.
Applications
Classic uses include roofing slate (thin overlapping tiles), interior and exterior floor tiles, roof and wall cladding, stepping stones and garden paving, pool copings, hearths and countertops (slate counter tops are honed or cleft), and blackboards. Its dark, matte surface suits rustic, traditional and modern minimalist styles.