Slate was formed from clay on ancient sea beds by the metamorphism (rock structure changes due to heat and/or pressure) of shale and clay. Basically, Slate is "compacted mud". Sometimes plant fossils are found on the surfaces of Slate stones.

Slate is an exotic and unique natural stone. It is elegant, sturdy, and durable. This earthy stone exudes warmth. The character of Slate stone will give you a real classic old world feel. The soft veining and mottled colors of Slate are earthy and usually darker. They include variations of reds and turquoise greenish blues as well as softer grays and deep solid blacks. The multi color Slates are rustic and more colorful.

Coating Slate with mineral oil will help to protect the stone as well as deepen the natural colors. The surface finishes on the denser varieties of Slate are usually honed. This is a matte type surface finish. It's not shiny and reflective like a polished finish. Slate stone is too soft to be polished to a high gloss finish. Slate surfaces can also be sandblasted. Sandblasted surface finish is used to obtain a rough textured finish. A cleft finish will leave the surface of the stone rough and uneven. This is usually used for flooring. The uneven surface texture makes a cleft finish a poor surface choice for Slate countertops.

Popular Slate stone applications are fireplaces, wall claddings, landscaping, driveways, patios, windowsills and pools. Slate is non slippery natural stone and is perfect for flooring applications. Other uses include monuments, Slate backsplashes, sinks, islands and table tops, limited use for kitchen and bathroom counter tops.

Slate is perfect for offices, restaurants and hotels. Slate is also used for engravings, paintings and sculptures. Slate is available in 12, 16, and 18 inch Slate tiles, as well as 3/4 and 1 1/4 inch thick slabs for countertops.

Slate is a siliceous stone and highly resistant to the acids found in lemons, alcohol, and cleaning products. These acids won't etch or ruin the surface of your Slate stone.

Similar to Soapstone, Slate scratches easily. It will scratch and chip around the edges and become weathered or aged looking. Depending on where they originate from, some Slates are much softer than others. Slates from the US, Canada, and the UK are usually of a harder variety.

Like Granite, Slate is durable and impervious to heat. It is fire resistant and you don't need to worry about burning or charring your Slate countertops.

Slate is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. Slate also provides high slip resistance and is long lasting. It is a fine grained and non porous natural stone. It won't absorb water and liquids as quickly as a Marble will.

Slate stone has a lower absorption rate so stains aren't a big concern. It's not generally necessary to seal these dark stones. You can use mineral oil to make the scratches disappear. These scratches and chips can also be sanded out with a fine grained sand paper or left to add character and charm to your stone. Slate can be rustic and romantic, or sleek and refined.

Choose the right color and surface finish and you're on the path to creating a unique look with Slate that's all you. It won't etch, it doesn't burn, and it's non porous so the Slate maintenance is fairly simple.