Slate is formed from the movement of the earth’s tectonic plates. The minerals, mica and chlorite contained within the deposits form smooth, flat layers that fuse together to become new rocks. Slate is found in abundance from all around the world. There are many different types varying in colour, strength and porosity.
Tiles are cut from the natural rock and as a product of nature no two pieces will be exactly alike. Colour and natural markings are subject to variation. Samples can often vary tremendously from the supplied product. We, therefore, urge you to look at your choice of slate from many different perspectives. Study the stone to see the many different colours contained within. It is possible that your tiles will have more or less of any of the tones. This is part of the characteristic and charm of buying slate. We will give you as much guidance as possible.
Slates can be smooth but the most popular cut is ‘riven’. This is when the surface is slightly uneven giving the tile a rusticity and natural feel. This is done naturally by splitting along the parallel cleavage planes so that the clefts can be noticed.
Multicolour Slates
Names vary from supplier to supplier but types of multicolour slates are called Indian Summer, Pontevedra, Burnt Sienna, Noisette, Rustic, Rajah to name but a few. We tend to sell two types of multicolour as most popular – the mid greens mixed with brown and the rich earthy black and gold mix.
Other colours include
- Shades of green
- Black
- Shades of black/grey
- Grey
- Copper
- Shades of brown/gold
- Silver Blue (blue/grey)
- Purple tinged