Slate

There are many different origins for Slate. The most superior slate is Brazilian Slate which is dense, compact, extremely durable and hardwearing. Perfect for any flooring situation, even outside! Many companies also supply Slate tiles from China, India and Africa. From experience we have found these to be far less durable, they also tend to be more uneven and rugged which can be uncomfortable underfoot. Slate is built up in layers and a lower quality slate can result in the flaking of these layers.

Slate tiles are generally found in darker colours such as grey, black, green and the dramatic multi coloured. It tends to be inexpensive although do beware of prices which appear too good to be true, these are often the less durable Chinese, Indian and African slates. Care should be taken when grouting, due to the texture of Slate tiles, grout can collect on the stone and should be thoroughly cleaned after grouting. Please take a look at the fantastic, high quality Brazilian Slate tiles we offer.

Now the scientific part

A fine grained, homogeneous sedimentary stone formed by a consolidation of clay, volcanic ash or shale which has built up in layers over millions of years. Slate is also subject to metamorphism, where organic matter and iron oxides are recrystallised and the rock takes on colours of minerals. The presence of swirls, linear patterns or banding is a key characteristic.

Slate tiles can be uniform in colour, available in shades such as dark to light green, mottled purple, black, grey or dark red. Some slates can also be full of colour variation; chlorite gives green to yellow colours, organic matter shows as grey to black, iron oxides show as reds, oranges, purples & browns.

Unless its surface has been honed smooth, slate generally has a distinct cleft or riven face which will vary according to the density of the stone. Cheaper, less dense slate will vary enormously in tile thickness. A tight, dense slate cleaves in flat, almost smooth pieces.

Slate is incredibly durable, available in many tile and slab formats, plus mosaics and tumbled tiles for walls and floors. Slate tiles are used extensively both indoors and outdoors.