Slate:
Slate is a fine-grained, metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low-grade regional metamorphism. Each region has their own qualities, for example, South Indian slates are softer, than North Indian slates. Only certain slate tiles can be used outdoors.
Quartzite:
Quartzite is a dense metamorphic rock that was originally sandstone. This product is commonly sold as slate, but it is in fact a very different product. Quartzite stone is also commonly mixed up with Quartz countertops, which is a man made material. Most quartzite stone tiles can be used outdoors, but please check with a professional before installing.
Styles
- Honed: A honed stone means a smooth surfaced stone
- Calibrated (semi-gauged): one side is natural and other side is cut
- Natural: (un-gauged)
- Ledgestone: A stacking stone used in vertical applications where the majority of stress is on the stone itself.
* Note: Brazilian stone is all gauged because it is perfectly cut and square
Sizes
- Mostly 12x12 and 16x16. Some are 18x18 (Gold Sunset and Brazilian), and 12x24 (only the most popular colors). 24x24 available in 2 blacks and Savanna.
Origins
- China: Chinese Slates have a variety of colors. One of the first slates to enter the Canadian market is Rustic Earth (China-Multi)
- Indian: Indian Slates have two distinct regions. Northern slates are more metallic looking; they often shine because of the Mica in them. They are also commonly called polished when they are in fact honed, due to their look. Some stones will have black dots in them; those pieces are in fact garnets. Southern slates are usually softer. Currently, the top selling slate is the Driftwood (Indian Autumn)
- Brazil: Brazilian slates are very dense, and are the only slates that are perfect squares and perfect thickness. This is due to the density of the stone.
- Africa: African Slates are un-gauged, meaning the thicknesses are not very consistent.
