Natural slate stone is nothing but the mud that has been compressed and petrified over the years. It is composed of volcanic ashes and clay with minerals like quartz, illite (mainly), chlorite, biotite, pyrite and hematite (less) that are metamorphosed into layers. It is because of the minerals that this natural stone has different colors. And because of metamorphism slate has natural veins, waves and dots that looks so unique and alluring.
Most of us prefer slate because of its appearance but besides appearance also there are many other qualities like fire resistance, acid resistance, anti slip nature, easy to work, durability, easy maintenance etc which it a further prime choice of many homeowners.
This natural stone can be split into layers because of cleavage and breakability. But even after splitting slate stone retains its natural texture.
There are two main types of slate stone
Most of us prefer slate because of its appearance but besides appearance also there are many other qualities like fire resistance, acid resistance, anti slip nature, easy to work, durability, easy maintenance etc which it a further prime choice of many homeowners.
This natural stone can be split into layers because of cleavage and breakability. But even after splitting slate stone retains its natural texture.
There are two main types of slate stone
- Hard
- Soft
Hard does not break easily and last longer than the soft one.
Uses of Slate Stone
The most common is the roofing and flooring as this natural stone does not absorb water. You will find roofs made from this stone in hilly areas as it resistant to damage caused frost. Also there are very less chances of breakage because of snow and freezing. Slate tiles or shingles are used to make the roof which are installed by slater. Besides this, very creatively, slate stone is used in the following applications.
- Backsplash
- Paving
- Wall Cladding
- Landscaping
- Countertops
- Stairs
- Walkways
- Fireplaces
- Slate coffee tables
Besides all these, slate also has an electric insulation property. Electricity switchboards of 20th century were chiefly made from this material. It is also a chemically and physically inert material so very easily used in laboratories. Also the blackboards in your classrooms and slates that you give to your kids to write are made up of this stone.
Slate Stone Colors
Slate stone is available in varied colors but grey is the most common. Other colors can be cyan, green, purple, black and red. Mostly the geographic area from where it has been taken defines the color. But in some area you will find all sorts of colors. The most common colors are:
- Black
- Dark Grey
- Greenish Grey
- Copper
- Purplish Grey
- Sunflame
- Lilac
- Copper Pink
- Multi-colour Golden Quartzite
- Green Pink
- Multicolor Dark Slate
- Multicolor Light Slate
- Multi Green
- Taj Rose
- Autumn Lilac
Natural slate stone is extracted across the world. But Wales in Europe, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York in America, India and China are th chief location from where it is extracted.
So what you are thinking next. Remodeling your kitchen floor, backsplash or patio with this beautiful natural slate stone.
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