Slate

   Slate is metamorphic rock, like the marble. However, instead of forming from a pre-existing limestone (like marble), slate is formed from the low-grade metamorphism of the sedimentary rock shale. Slate, like shale ("mudstone"), is a very fined-grained rock of mostly microscopic clay minerals with some microscopic quartz and calcite.

   Slate can also contain some of the same minerals found in granite, which make some slates iridescent and/or hard.

   The alteration of shale by heat and pressure produces the pronounced partings (slaty cleavage) that give slate its characteristics. Like limestone and marble, the color comes from trace metals. The wild colors on most Chinese and Indian slates are the result of splitting the slate along natural layers, which exposes the metals to the atmosphere, and they oxidize (rust).

Slate Stone Pictures

Important Comments

   What you see is your computer's interpretation of that color code.

   Natural stone varies in pattern and tone from shipment to shipment, and tile to tile within a shipment. This variation adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the installation. Recommend owner and designer check the stone before installation.

   Purchaser understands that natural stone products, such as marble and granite, are inherently subject to variations in shading and markings. Purchaser acknowledges that it has inspected and accepted this shipment with the full knowledge and understanding that any claims concerning the acceptability of the product must be presented to Catalina Design Center and resolved prior to installation. Please Contact us for a sample